The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric and Accusations
Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump suggested similar military action against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia has long been a close partner of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have soured dramatically after Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
Washington revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. In October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and various associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
