President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening strains between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened analogous military action against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.
A Strained Partnership
The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have worsened dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa after he encouraged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
