The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous use of force against Bogotá, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have soured dramatically following Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have condemned the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
The US cancelled Petro’s visa following he urged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and several key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
