Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, stating the country is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have soured significantly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked Petro’s visa following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
