Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar use of force against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country was historically a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have rejected the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa after he urged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. In October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and various associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
