The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar use of force against Colombia, stating the country is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man involved in producing the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.
A Strained Relationship
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Response
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
