Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable use of force towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have rejected the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he urged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. In October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
