The US President along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Threats and Allegations
Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable use of force against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
He passed part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in writing a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US revoked Petro’s visa after he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
