The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened similar military action against Colombia, asserting the nation faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the business.
A Strained Partnership
The country was historically a key ally of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from across Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
