The US President along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa after he urged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
