President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested similar use of force against Bogotá, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and led by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture me, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
