The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Accusations
Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable use of force against Bogotá, stating the nation faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices spanning the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
The US revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
