President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
The country has long been a close partner of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have deteriorated markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
The US withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
