Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous use of force against Colombia, asserting the country is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly since Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. In October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and various associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
