Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia has long been a close partner of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have soured markedly after Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
