President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their exchange, increasing tensions bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.
A Strained Relationship
This nation has long been a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have soured dramatically after Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across the ideological divide have condemned the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
