The US President along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing the press on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump was elected.
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 Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have rejected the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
The US revoked the president's entry visa following he urged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
