President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation has long been a close partner of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have worsened dramatically since Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
When asked whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
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 narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
The US cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. In October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and several associates.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
