President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Tensions and Allegations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country has long been a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have soured significantly after Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised 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: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Political and Financial Strains
The US cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and various close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
