Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable military action against Colombia, asserting the nation faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation was historically a close partner of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have soured dramatically since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he urged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
