President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the country faces serious problems and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
The country has long been a close partner of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have worsened dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the political spectrum have rejected the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
