Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their war of words, further raising tensions between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened comparable military action against Colombia, stating the nation faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
The US withdrew Petro’s visa after he urged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
