The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Allegations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested similar military action against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured dramatically since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Response
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he called on American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
