Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their war of words, further raising tensions in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly after Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Response
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
