The US President and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Claims
Talking to journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, stating the nation faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to America."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation was historically a close partner of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked his travel authorization after he urged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
