The United States and Colombia called home their respective envoys on Thursday in an apparent acceleration of worsening ties, against the backdrop of an alleged plot against Colombia's leftist leader.

The U.S. State Department has recalled its top diplomat in Colombia for urgent consultations. The move follows comments from Colombia’s President Gustavo Petro questioning the U.S. stance on an alleged plot to remove him from office.

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States has recalled its top diplomat from the U.S. embassy in Bogota over statements it said were made at high levels of the Colombian government, the U.S. State Department said on Thursday, prompting the South American country to also recall its ambassador to the U.S.