The US President and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
The country has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured dramatically since Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded after a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Response
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing a new constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he said.
Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have rejected the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Sanctions
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.
