The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his wife and several associates.
At the same time as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
