Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable military action against Colombia, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and distributing it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have worsened dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he called on US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
