President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable use of force against Colombia, asserting the nation faces serious problems and led by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia has long been a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened significantly since Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture me, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US cancelled Petro’s visa following he urged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
