President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable armed intervention against Colombia, stating the country is also "very ill" and led by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia has long been a key ally of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
Washington withdrew his travel authorization following he called on American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and a number of key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
