Colombia's Leader Says 'I Will Resort to Weapons Once More' should US Launches an Attack.
Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.
Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable military action against Colombia, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."
Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have soured dramatically after Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.
The President's Defiant Response
When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.
Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and several key allies.
Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.