The US President along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested similar military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and distributing it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
This nation for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly since Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, which many of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
The US withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and various associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
