Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, asserting the country faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the president, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
The US withdrew the president's entry visa following he urged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. In October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and various key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the region and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
