Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening strains between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar military action against Colombia, asserting the country is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa following he encouraged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and various associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
