Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the country faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia has long been a key ally of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he urged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
