President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous use of force against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by a sick man who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
This nation has long been a close partner of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa following he called on American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
