The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable military action towards the South American nation, stating Colombia faces serious problems and led by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
The country has long been a key ally of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly after Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from across Colombian politics have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa following he encouraged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and several associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
