The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to America."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country was historically a close partner of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have soured significantly following Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Response
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
Washington revoked Petro’s visa after he called on US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
