Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their exchange, heightening strains bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous military action against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Strained Alliance
Colombia was historically a close partner of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s protection team had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Political and Economic Sanctions
Washington revoked the president's entry visa following he urged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, the first lady and various close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
