The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions and Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the nation faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to America."
Although 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 involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
The country was historically a key ally of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have deteriorated significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from across the political spectrum have condemned the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa after he urged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
