Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump suggested similar armed intervention against Bogotá, stating the nation faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia was historically a close partner of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have worsened dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture me, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
