Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Once More' if US Invades.
Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly following Trump was elected.
The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices spanning the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Pressure
The US revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.