The US President along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric and Allegations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president suggested similar military action against Bogotá, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.
A Strained Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have worsened dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain me, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
The US withdrew Petro’s visa following he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. In October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
