President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing strains between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Relationship
The country for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.
The President's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition
The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Concurrently the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
