The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, further raising tensions between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable military action towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa after he urged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
