President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation has long been a key ally of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have soured markedly following Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Financial Strains
The US revoked his travel authorization following he called on US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
