The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Allegations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the nation faces serious problems and governed 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, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the president, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures and Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
