President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the ideological divide have denounced the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
