The US President along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at analogous use of force against Colombia, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in writing a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew Petro’s visa after he urged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and various key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
