Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous use of force against Bogotá, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly since Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Answer
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from across Colombian politics have denounced the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa after he urged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and several key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
