Colombia's President Warns 'I Will Take Up Arms Once More' if United States Invades.
The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Threats coupled with Allegations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened similar military action against Colombia, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to America."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation has long been a close partner of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have worsened significantly after Trump was elected.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Response
In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If US bombs target peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.
From Fighter to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have condemned the threats of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
Washington cancelled his travel authorization after he encouraged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.