President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their exchange, increasing tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric and Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, stating the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have worsened significantly since Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he urged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
