President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats and Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested analogous military action against Bogotá, stating the nation faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country has long been a key ally of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have worsened dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Response
Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization after he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the region and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
