The US President along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar military action against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have soured markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and a number of key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
