Colombia's Leader Warns 'I Will Take Up Arms Once More' should United States Launches an Attack.
The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions and Accusations
Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the nation faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the illicit industry.
A Deteriorating Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded following a landmark accord.
The President's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.
"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which many of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.
"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have denounced the notion of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
Washington revoked the president's entry visa after he urged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and various associates.
At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.