Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their exchange, heightening tensions in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump suggested similar use of force against Bogotá, stating Colombia faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
