The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar use of force against Colombia, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
The country was historically a key ally of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.