Colombia's Leader Says 'I Would Take Up Arms Again' should United States Intervenes Militarily.
President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Allegations
Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump hinted at comparable military action against Bogotá, claiming the country is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.
A Strained Relationship
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have worsened dramatically after Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Response
In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he affirmed.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s security detail had received additional support.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across Colombian politics have condemned the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Strains
American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.