The US President along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, Trump suggested similar military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Response
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, but voices spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
The US withdrew the president's entry visa following he urged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
