President Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats and Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
The country for decades served as a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled Petro’s visa after he called on US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and several key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the region and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
