Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous armed intervention against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated significantly after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have rejected the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
The US revoked the president's entry visa following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
