Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the American leader suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia has long been a close partner of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Response
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he said.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington withdrew Petro’s visa following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.
