Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Threats and Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly after Trump was elected.
Its drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have rejected the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
The US withdrew Petro’s visa following he urged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
