Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested similar military action towards the South American nation, stating the country is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Strained Alliance
The country for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly since Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures from across Colombian politics have condemned the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa after he encouraged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
