The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous use of force against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly since Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have condemned the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US withdrew the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his wife and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
