Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Talking to journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the ideological divide have denounced the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa after he encouraged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and various associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.