Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar military action against Colombia, stating the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have worsened significantly since Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, it placed asset freezes against the president, his wife and various associates.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the region and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
