Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar military action against Bogotá, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the business.
A Frayed Relationship
The country has long been a close partner of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have soured markedly since Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled his travel authorization after he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
