The US President along with Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to America."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards 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 disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization after he encouraged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. In October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
