The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested similar military action towards the South American nation, stating the nation faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the business.
A Strained Alliance
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have soured dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Answer
When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa following he urged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and various associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
