Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have soured dramatically following Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
He passed part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, but voices spanning the political spectrum have rejected the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and a number of key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
