Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Allegations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable military action against Bogotá, claiming the nation faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures from across the political spectrum have denounced the threats of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa after he called on US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the region and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
