Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia was historically a close partner of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened significantly since Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Answer
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain me, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
He passed some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he urged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
