The US President and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar military action against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Answer
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the threats of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
The US revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
