President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested similar armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the country is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, but voices spanning the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
The US cancelled his travel authorization after he urged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
