Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Accusations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump suggested similar armed intervention against Colombia, stating the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have worsened dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Response
When asked if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US revoked his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
