Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Allegations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president threatened comparable use of force against Colombia, stating the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
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 directly involved in the trade.
A Strained Partnership
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, but relations have soured dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.
"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
He passed part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, but voices spanning Colombian politics have denounced the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Strains
The US revoked the president's entry visa after he urged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
