President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Allegations
Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump suggested similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the nation faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have worsened markedly after Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture me, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
