President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Accusations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened similar military action against Colombia, stating the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation has long been a close partner of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated significantly since Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting 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 to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and various key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
