President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous military action towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
This nation for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened significantly after Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US revoked his travel authorization after he called on American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
