The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the business.
A Strained Partnership
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked the president's entry visa following he urged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.