Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Accusations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country for decades served as a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have worsened dramatically since Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
The US cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his wife and a number of key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
