Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable military action against Bogotá, asserting the country faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from across the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
