Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, stating the country is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country has long been a close partner of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have soured significantly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled his travel authorization following he encouraged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
