Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Shall Take Up Arms Once More' if American Forces Intervenes Militarily.
President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Tensions and Allegations
Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the nation is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Answer
In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, it placed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and various associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.