President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested similar use of force against Colombia, asserting the nation faces serious problems and governed by a sick man involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the business.
A Strained Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom many of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not 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 respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have condemned the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
The US withdrew the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and various close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
