Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, stating the country faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly after Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the ideological divide have condemned the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
The US withdrew the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
