President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous use of force against Bogotá, stating the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
The country was historically a close partner of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom many of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and several associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the region and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
