The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the business.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have soured markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Strong Answer
In response to a query whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture me, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating a new constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, but voices from across the ideological divide have denounced the notion of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
