President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Allegations
Talking to the press over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened significantly following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
