President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested similar armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the nation faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
The country has long been a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated markedly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a landmark accord.
The President's Defiant Response
In response to a query if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning president.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices spanning the political spectrum have rejected the threats of American military action against their nation.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa following he called on US troops to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
