The US President and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric and Accusations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have worsened dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of the country loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
