Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous military action against Colombia, stating the nation faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated markedly after Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, which many of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa following he encouraged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
