Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous use of force against Colombia, stating the country is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia has long been a close partner of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have worsened dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the president, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and several 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, American military assets also carried out operations on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
