The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar use of force against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
The country has long been a close partner of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have worsened significantly since Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded following a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
The US revoked Petro’s visa following he urged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
