Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric and Accusations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar military action against Colombia, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the president, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Sanctions
Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and various key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
