President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their exchange, further raising strains bilaterally after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, but relations have soured dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa after he called on US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
