The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation has long been a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in 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 demobilised decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom many of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
The US withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and various associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the region and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
