The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president suggested similar armed intervention against Colombia, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have soured significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Response
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked the president's entry visa following he encouraged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, it placed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
