Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at analogous use of force against Colombia, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who likes making cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country was historically a close partner of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have soured markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Answer
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture me, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging 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 creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from across the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, it placed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and several close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
