President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the nation faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
The country has long been a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization following he encouraged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his wife and various key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
