Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have soured markedly following Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Answer
When asked whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the president, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices spanning the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of American military action against their nation.
Political and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and several key allies.
At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
