President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar military action against Colombia, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly since Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa after he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
