President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, stating the country is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he called on American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
