President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the country is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his wife and a number of key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
