Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous use of force against Colombia, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
The country has long been a key ally of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated significantly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture me, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
