Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric and Claims
Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country has long been a key ally of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have worsened dramatically after Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain me, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
Washington revoked his travel authorization after he called on US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
