President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening tensions between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable military action towards the South American nation, asserting the country is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Response
When asked whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization after he urged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
