The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable military action against Colombia, stating the country is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from across the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes against the president, his wife and several key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
