Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated significantly since Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom a large part of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
