President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric and Allegations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader suggested similar military action towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa after he urged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
