Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, stating the country faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured markedly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization following he urged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his wife and various key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
