Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Rising Rhetoric and Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable military action against Bogotá, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country has long been a key ally of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have worsened significantly following Trump came to office.
Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Firm Answer
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, which a large part of the population loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
The US withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and several key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
