President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar military action against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a sick man involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Answer
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from across the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he encouraged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
