Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable use of force against Colombia, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Response
In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa following he encouraged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
