Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from across the ideological divide have condemned the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa after he urged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
