Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous military action towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who likes making narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
The country for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated significantly following Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and several close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
