Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the American leader hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Frayed Partnership
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have worsened significantly after Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Response
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain me, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and a number of associates.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
