President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening tensions between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable military action towards the South American nation, asserting the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia has long been a key ally of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Answer
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture me, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
The US withdrew the president's entry visa after he urged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
