President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting the nation faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country has long been a key ally of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
