The US President along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, stating the nation faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically since Trump was elected.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa following he called on American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
