Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia was historically a close partner of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded after a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization following he called on American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
