Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president threatened comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured markedly after Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from across Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he urged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the region and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
