The US President and Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations
Addressing the press over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
This nation was historically a close partner of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened dramatically following Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest me, which many of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa after he urged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
