Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous military action against Bogotá, asserting the nation faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the business.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have soured markedly after Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization after he called on US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
