Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the business.
A Strained Relationship
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly since Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he called on US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
