Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Colombia, stating Colombia faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia was historically a close partner of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from across the ideological divide have condemned the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa following he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
