Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Accusations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated significantly since Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have denounced the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
The US revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
