The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable use of force towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have soured dramatically since Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
He passed some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked his travel authorization after he encouraged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his spouse and a number of associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
