Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who likes making cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture me, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the ideological divide have rejected the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Sanctions
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and several key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.