Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar military action against Bogotá, claiming the nation faces serious problems and led by a sick man involved in producing the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly after Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite 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 pledged to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Financial Pressure
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
