The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
