Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested similar use of force against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the business.
A Deteriorating Partnership
This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Response
When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the president, which many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
He passed some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. In October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and several key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
