Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Talking to the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Response
When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa following he urged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
