President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the business.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, but relations have soured dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Response
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which many of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing a new constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
The US revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
