The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable use of force against Colombia, stating the nation is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have soured dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Response
When asked whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
Washington revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
