The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
