President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Threats and Claims
Addressing the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the country is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have soured markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Answer
When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
He passed a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the political spectrum have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.