Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader suggested comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have worsened dramatically after Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the political spectrum have condemned the threats of American military action against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization following he urged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
