President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable military action against Bogotá, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
The country was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated markedly since Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of the population loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from across the ideological divide have rejected the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
