President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar military action against Colombia, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have soured dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa following he encouraged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. In October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and various associates.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
