The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have soured dramatically since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
