The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Allegations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable military action against Colombia, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened significantly since Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
He passed a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa after he called on US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes against the president, his wife and several close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
