Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested similar armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the nation faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa following he urged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
