Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous use of force against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have soured markedly following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing a new constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures from across Colombian politics have denounced the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
