The US President and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Allegations
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and distributing it to America."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization following he urged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his wife and various associates.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
