Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to the press over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded following a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the president, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
