Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable use of force against Bogotá, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from across the political spectrum have rejected the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked his travel authorization after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
