The US President along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar use of force towards the South American nation, stating the country is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
The country was historically a close partner of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have soured significantly following Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Response
When asked if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
The US withdrew his travel authorization after he urged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
