President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia was historically a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have worsened significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which many of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from across the ideological divide have rejected the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
The US revoked the president's entry visa following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
