The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened similar military action against Colombia, stating the nation faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have condemned the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and a number of associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
