The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable use of force towards the South American nation, stating the country is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly tied to the business.
A Strained Partnership
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Answer
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, which many of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
The US withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and several key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
