Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their exchange, further raising tensions between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Answer
When asked whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, yet figures from across the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.