Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
The country for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain me, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the political spectrum have condemned the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.