President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Allegations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the country faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country was historically a key ally of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Response
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture me, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
Petro spent part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and various key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
