The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Threats and Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the country is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have soured significantly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
He passed a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
Washington cancelled his travel authorization after he encouraged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
