President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation has long been a close partner of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have soured significantly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
The US withdrew the president's entry visa after he called on US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
