The US President and Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Tensions and Accusations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting the country faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have worsened dramatically after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Answer
In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he said.
Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.
Political and Financial Pressure
The US cancelled his travel authorization following he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
