Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar military action against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom many of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Financial Sanctions
The US revoked his travel authorization following he urged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and several associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
