Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, stating the nation is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Strained Alliance
The country has long been a key ally of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have deteriorated markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Answer
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and a number of associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.