The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested comparable military action against Colombia, asserting the country is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who likes making narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
This nation has long been a close partner of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have denounced the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
