President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
The country was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Response
When asked if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
