Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric and Allegations
Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, stating the country faces serious problems and led by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have worsened dramatically following Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Response
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
The US cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
