Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable military action against Colombia, stating the country is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country was historically a close partner of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
He passed part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
