President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous military action against Colombia, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
This nation for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly after Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
The US cancelled his travel authorization after he called on American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and various key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
