President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested similar military action against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.
A Strained Alliance
This nation for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly after Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Response
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization following he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and several key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
