Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the country faces serious problems and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
