Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured markedly after Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Response
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled Petro’s visa after he called on American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
