The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous use of force against Bogotá, stating the nation faces serious problems and governed by a sick man involved in producing the drug and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have soured significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Response
Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and various key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
