The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at comparable armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
The country for decades served as a close partner of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture me, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have denounced the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Sanctions
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa following he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
