President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats and Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the nation faces serious problems and led by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have worsened significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of the country loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US cancelled the president's entry visa after he called on US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and various associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
