The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Claims
Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump threatened similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain me, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa after he called on US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. In October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
