President Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Allegations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested analogous military action against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and “run by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing a new constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
