Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a close partner of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have soured dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing a new constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
