President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
The country for decades served as a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Response
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and several associates.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
