President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
This nation has long been a close partner of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, but relations have soured markedly following Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Response
When asked whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest me, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from across the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
The US withdrew Petro’s visa following he encouraged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and various associates.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the region and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
