President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making the drug and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Answer
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
