The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump suggested similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the country is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the business.
A Frayed Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a large part of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he said.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
Washington withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
