President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, further raising tensions between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
This nation was historically a close partner of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a large part of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the political spectrum have rejected the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
