The US President and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa following he encouraged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and several associates.
At the same time the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
