President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Strong Response
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the president, which many of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa following he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and various associates.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
