The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable military action towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country has long been a close partner of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have soured markedly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Answer
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security along with Broad Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the ideological divide have denounced the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
The US withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and several associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
