The US President along with Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly since Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain the president, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
The US cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
