President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous armed intervention against Colombia, stating the nation is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
This nation for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Answer
When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing a new constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning the political spectrum have denounced the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
