President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, stating the country is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country was historically a key ally of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
The US revoked Petro’s visa following he encouraged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
