The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Accusations
Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured markedly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization after he called on US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
