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 President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump suggested similar military action towards the South American nation, stating the country is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
This nation for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened significantly after Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Response
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not participated in combat. 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 the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. In October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and a number of associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
