President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their war of words, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have soured markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
