Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump suggested similar military action against Colombia, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly since Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked his travel authorization after he encouraged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
