Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who likes making the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have worsened dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture me, whom many of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
Washington revoked his travel authorization following he called on US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
