Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Shall Take Up Arms Again' if United States Launches an Attack.
President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Threats coupled with Allegations
Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar military action against Colombia, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.
A Strained Partnership
This nation has long been a key ally of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Answer
In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Guerrilla to Statesman
He passed a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. In October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
