Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Allegations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the nation faces serious problems and led by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia has long been a key ally of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have worsened dramatically following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and various associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
