The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Claims
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened similar use of force against Colombia, claiming the country is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
The country for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have worsened markedly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Response
When asked if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in writing a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have rejected the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
