Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats coupled with Allegations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president threatened comparable use of force against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have soured dramatically after Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the ideological divide have condemned the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he called on US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his wife and several key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
