The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric and Accusations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the country is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Strained Alliance
The country for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have soured dramatically since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from across the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington revoked his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
