The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested analogous military action towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
This nation was historically a close partner of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms following a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Response
When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from across the ideological divide have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and various associates.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
