President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia was historically a close partner of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he urged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
