Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats and Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable military action towards the South American nation, stating the nation is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the business.
A Frayed Relationship
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the president, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew the president's entry visa following he encouraged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and several associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
