The US President and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, stating the country is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.
A Strained Relationship
The country for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have soured markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Response
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
The US cancelled his travel authorization following he urged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
