Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump threatened similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
Colombia has long been a key ally of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from across the ideological divide have denounced the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
The US withdrew Petro’s visa after he urged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
