President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested similar military action against Bogotá, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have soured significantly following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Defiant Response
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
