The US President along with Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Claims
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, stating Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia was historically a close partner of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Rebuttal
In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected president.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
American authorities cancelled his travel authorization following he urged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
