Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested similar use of force against Colombia, stating the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from across the political spectrum have condemned the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
Washington revoked the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
