The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened analogous armed intervention against Colombia, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have condemned the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked his travel authorization following he called on US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and several key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
