The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening strains bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable use of force against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
The US revoked his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
