President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Strained Alliance
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have soured dramatically since Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
When asked if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have condemned the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and several key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
