President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested analogous use of force towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
