The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Growing Threats and Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar use of force against Colombia, claiming the country is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Firm Response
When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization after he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
