President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar use of force against Bogotá, stating the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to America."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite 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 made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he urged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and various associates.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
