Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally 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 is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the country is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a close partner of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
In response to a query if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the president, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
