President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing the press on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable military action against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have worsened markedly since Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa after he encouraged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his wife and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
