Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country was historically a close partner of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US revoked his travel authorization following he called on American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
