The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have soured markedly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have rejected the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa after he called on American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and several associates.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
