The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation was historically a close partner of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have soured dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Answer
When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
Washington cancelled Petro’s visa following he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
