The US President and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have soured markedly since Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa after he called on US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and several key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
