The US President along with Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their war of words, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous military action against Bogotá, asserting the country faces serious problems and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation was historically a close partner of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have worsened dramatically since Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
He passed a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have rejected the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa after he urged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
