The US President along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable armed intervention against Colombia, stating the nation is also "very ill" and led by a sick man involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Frayed Alliance
The country was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Political and Financial Sanctions
Washington withdrew his travel authorization after he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, the first lady and various associates.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
