Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable military action against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
The country has long been a key ally of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured markedly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
American authorities revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
