Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, claiming the nation faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have soured significantly after Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Economic Pressure
The US revoked the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his wife and several associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
