President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions bilaterally after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested similar use of force against Colombia, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the business.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Response
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
He passed part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa after he encouraged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
