President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar use of force against Colombia, stating the country is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have soured dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture me, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, but voices from across Colombian politics have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
