President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their war of words, further raising tensions between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous use of force against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly after Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US revoked Petro’s visa after he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and several associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
