Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, stating the nation is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled Petro’s visa after he urged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
