Colombia's President Says 'I Will Return to Arms Once More' should American Forces Launches an Attack.
Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Allegations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Frayed Relationship
The country was historically a key ally of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised after a landmark accord.
Petro's Defiant Answer
Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture me, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.
"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.