Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous military action against Bogotá, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Answer
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest me, which many of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have rejected the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he urged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and several associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
