President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the American leader suggested similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from across the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa following he called on US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
