Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar use of force towards the South American nation, stating the country faces serious problems and led by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the trade.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
In response to a query whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture me, which many of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have condemned the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
