Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar use of force against Bogotá, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the president, which many of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
He passed part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his wife and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
