The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia was historically a close partner of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Answer
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
Washington cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
