The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats and Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president threatened similar use of force against Colombia, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Answer
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
