The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested analogous use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, which many of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, it placed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and several associates.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
