Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened comparable military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country was historically a key ally of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have soured dramatically after Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, which many of the population loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
