The US President and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable use of force against Bogotá, stating the nation is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a close partner of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have soured dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
