Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their war of words, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Addressing the press on Sunday, the American leader suggested analogous military action against Colombia, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically since Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Response
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture me, which many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew his travel authorization following he urged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
