President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump suggested similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have worsened markedly since Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Answer
When asked if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.