President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened analogous use of force against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
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 illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa following he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and various key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the region and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
