Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia was historically a close partner of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked his travel authorization after he called on US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
