The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric and Accusations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested similar military action against Colombia, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia was historically a close partner of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have worsened markedly since Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded following a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain me, which many of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and several associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
