President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have soured markedly since Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Answer
When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
The US revoked the president's entry visa following he called on American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
