Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Growing Threats coupled with Accusations
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation was historically a close partner of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised following a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Response
Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition
The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.
