Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the business.
A Strained Alliance
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
When asked if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which many of the country loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
The US withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
