The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Addressing the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar use of force against Bogotá, stating Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a sick man involved in producing the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have worsened dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest me, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
