The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, asserting the country faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country was historically a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened significantly after Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture me, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from across Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
Washington revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
