The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats and Allegations
Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable military action against Bogotá, stating the nation faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and distributing it to America."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
The country for decades served as a close partner of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
Washington withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and a number of associates.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.
