The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their war of words, further raising tensions between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric and Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar use of force against Bogotá, claiming the country is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have deteriorated markedly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Answer
In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
