The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats and Claims
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, stating the country is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which many of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the notion of American military action against their nation.
Political and Economic Strains
Washington cancelled the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
