The US President along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have soured markedly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture me, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have rejected the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and several associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
