President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the country faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
The country for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly since Trump came to office.
Its drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa after he encouraged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
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, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
