President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the nation faces serious problems and “run by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation has long been a close partner of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have soured dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
He passed a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he said.
Increased Security and Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
