The US President along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country has long been a close partner of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have soured dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Defiant Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became 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 in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, but voices spanning the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and various associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
