Colombian President Declares 'I Would Take Up Arms Again' should US Invades.
Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming the country is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
This nation was historically a close partner of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa following he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and several key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
