Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Shall Take Up Arms Once More' should United States Intervenes Militarily.
Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Tensions and Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar use of force against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Deteriorating Partnership
The country has long been a close partner of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Response
When asked whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture me, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
The US cancelled Petro’s visa after he urged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.