President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president threatened comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
The country was historically a close partner of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Response
When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from across the political spectrum have rejected the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa after he urged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
