Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
The country has long been a close partner of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices spanning Colombian politics have rejected the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa following he urged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
