The US President along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the country is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
The country for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have soured significantly after Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating a new constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
