Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly after Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa following he called on American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. In October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
