Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation has long been a close partner of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have rejected the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa following he encouraged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
