Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, heightening strains bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the American leader suggested comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US revoked the president's entry visa after he called on American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
