Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump suggested similar military action towards the South American nation, stating the country is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the business.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia was historically a close partner of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Response
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
He passed part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across the political spectrum have condemned the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
Washington cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and various close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
