Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar military action against Bogotá, claiming the country faces serious problems and governed by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the political spectrum have rejected the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US withdrew his travel authorization after he urged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
