Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, Trump suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the country faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the business.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia has long been a key ally of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have rejected the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
