The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric and Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous military action towards the South American nation, claiming the nation faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country has long been a key ally of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
The US withdrew his travel authorization after he urged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
