Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats and Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous use of force against Bogotá, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly since Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which many of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa following he called on US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
