Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have worsened dramatically after Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Answer
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, which a large part of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
