Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats and Claims
Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at comparable military action against Colombia, asserting the nation faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have soured significantly since Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
He passed a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
Washington cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and various key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
