President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the country faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
Washington revoked his travel authorization following he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and several key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
