President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous military action against Bogotá, asserting the country is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the president, whom a large part of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
He passed part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in writing a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from across Colombian politics have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
