Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening strains bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have soured significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa after he called on US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. In October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
