President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains bilaterally after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar use of force against Colombia, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia has long been a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Response
In response to a query if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the president, whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington cancelled his travel authorization after he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
