The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested similar military action against Bogotá, asserting the country faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a close partner of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly since Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
When asked whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will release 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 of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in writing a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
