President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
He passed part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US withdrew the president's entry visa after he urged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, it placed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and several associates.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
