Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Accusations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the American leader threatened analogous military action against Bogotá, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
The country has long been a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly after 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 renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled his travel authorization following he urged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and a number of associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
