Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened analogous military action against Bogotá, claiming the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia was historically a key ally of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. In October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
