The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Accusations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable use of force against Bogotá, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation was historically a close partner of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Answer
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew his travel authorization after he urged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
