Colombian Leader Says 'I Would Resort to Weapons Again' if American Forces Invades.
The US President along with Colombia's president have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Growing Rhetoric and Allegations
Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and selling it to America."
While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.
A Deteriorating Relationship
Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have soured markedly following Trump was elected.
Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised following a landmark accord.
The President's Strong Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," he admonished.
From Fighter to President
The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have denounced the threats of a US attack against their nation.
Bilateral and Economic Strains
Washington cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, the first lady and various key allies.
Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.