Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable military action towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country has long been a close partner of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, but voices spanning the political spectrum have denounced the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Economic Pressure
The US cancelled his travel authorization following he called on American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
