President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats and Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, asserting the country faces serious problems and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened significantly after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa following he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and various key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
