The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Allegations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous use of force against Bogotá, stating Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
The country for decades served as a key ally of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain me, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across the ideological divide have condemned the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Sanctions
Washington withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his wife and a number of key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
