President Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have soured markedly following Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Answer
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, 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 nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, but voices spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
