The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, stating the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain me, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he urged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
