President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Claims
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar military action against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Response
When asked whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Strains
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa after he called on US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.
