Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Allegations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar military action towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
The US cancelled his travel authorization following he called on US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
