The US President and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Accusations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, stating Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
