The US President and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar use of force against Bogotá, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia was historically a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the president, which many of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from across the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
The US withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. In October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
