Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested similar use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have worsened dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture me, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa following he encouraged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and several key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
