The US President along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested similar armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
The country has long been a close partner of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have rejected the notion of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked his travel authorization following he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his spouse and several key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
