Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening tensions between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting the nation faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia has long been a close partner of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly after Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Answer
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa after he encouraged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
