The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the nation faces serious problems and governed by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured markedly after Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Answer
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington cancelled his travel authorization after he urged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
