President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions and Allegations
Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous use of force towards the South American nation, stating the country is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia has long been a key ally of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Response
In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, but voices spanning Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he encouraged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and several key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
