President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable military action against Colombia, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated significantly since Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain the president, whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, but voices spanning the ideological divide have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked Petro’s visa following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the region and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
