Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened comparable armed intervention against Colombia, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and led by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Strained Alliance
The country has long been a key ally of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa following he encouraged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
