President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have worsened markedly since Trump came to office.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
When asked if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
He passed part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning president.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
