The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric and Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened similar use of force towards the South American nation, stating the country is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Strained Partnership
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured markedly since Trump was elected.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Response
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he called on American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
