Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Allegations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable military action against Colombia, asserting the country is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa following he urged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
