Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested similar military action against Colombia, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country for decades served as a close partner of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Response
When asked whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew his travel authorization after he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
