The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Claims
Addressing the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened analogous use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which many of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from across the ideological divide have rejected the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
