The US President along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Answer
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
The US revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
