President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country has long been a close partner of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have soured markedly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have condemned the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities revoked his travel authorization after he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
