President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable military action against Bogotá, claiming the country faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States."
While Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have worsened markedly after Trump came to office.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
Washington withdrew his travel authorization after he urged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and several associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
