Colombian Leader Declares 'I Would Return to Arms Again' should US Launches an Attack.
The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the US."
While Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly after Trump was elected.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Answer
In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, which a large part of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's protection team was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa following he called on American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and a number of associates.
Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.