The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions and Allegations
Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened similar armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Strained Relationship
The country has long been a close partner of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have soured dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and various key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
