Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous use of force against Bogotá, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia has long been a close partner of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly since Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Response
In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in writing a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization after he called on US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
