President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous military action towards the South American nation, stating the nation faces serious problems and led by a sick man involved in producing the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened significantly since Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Response
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
He passed part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have rejected the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked Petro’s visa following he called on US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
