The US President along with Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the business.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated dramatically after Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked his travel authorization following he urged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
