Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar use of force against Bogotá, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from across the ideological divide have denounced the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa following he called on American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. In October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
