The US President along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Allegations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured markedly following Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Response
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa following he called on American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and several key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
