President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their war of words, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the business.
A Strained Partnership
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have deteriorated significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture me, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from across the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and various associates.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
