President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Allegations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia has long been a close partner of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically following Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the region and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.