The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar military action against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have soured dramatically since Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Answer
When asked if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew Petro’s visa after he encouraged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
