Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric and Allegations
Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable military action against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Answer
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, which many of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, yet figures from across the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Political and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
