Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric and Allegations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous use of force against Colombia, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country for decades served as a close partner of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically since Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
