The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, further raising strains bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested similar use of force against Colombia, claiming the country is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
The country has long been a key ally of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have soured significantly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
The US cancelled his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and several key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
