Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar use of force against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa after he urged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and several key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
