President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have worsened dramatically following Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, it placed asset freezes against the president, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
