The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their exchange, further raising tensions between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who likes making narcotics and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia was historically a close partner of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Response
When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture me, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Financial Pressure
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization after he urged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
