The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their war of words, further raising tensions between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and several associates.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
