The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their exchange, heightening strains bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested similar military action against Colombia, stating the nation is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country has long been a close partner of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have worsened markedly since Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have condemned the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa after he urged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and a number of associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
