Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia faces serious problems and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have soured markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he urged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his wife and various close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
