The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president threatened similar armed intervention against Colombia, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture me, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have rejected the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa following he called on US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and a number of key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.