President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous military action against Colombia, stating Colombia faces serious problems and led by a sick man who likes making cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated markedly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Response
When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from across the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
The US revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US troops to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
