Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention against Bogotá, stating the country faces serious problems and led by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have soured significantly following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised after a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Answer
In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the political spectrum have denounced the notion of American military action against their nation.
Political and Financial Sanctions
The US cancelled his travel authorization after he encouraged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
