Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats and Allegations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader suggested comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically after Trump came to office.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa after he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
