The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the country is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.
Petro's Strong Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from across Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
The US cancelled his travel authorization following he called on US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and various associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
