The US President along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening strains between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous use of force against Bogotá, stating Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have rejected the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization after he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his wife and several associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
