Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, stating the country is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have soured markedly since Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of American military action against their nation.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew his travel authorization following he called on American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
