The US President and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Tensions and Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested analogous use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia has long been a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa following he called on American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
