Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous use of force against Colombia, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Answer
When asked if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have rejected the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
