Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing 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 Accusations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested similar military action towards the South American nation, claiming the nation faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
The country has long been a close partner of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
He passed some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he called on American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
