President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous use of force against Colombia, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and led by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Response
When asked if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington withdrew his travel authorization following he called on US troops to refuse unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and various key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
