The US President and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader threatened comparable military action against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
The US cancelled the president's entry visa after he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
