President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Answer
When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have condemned the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
Washington revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
