Colombia's President Says 'I Will Resort to Weapons Again' should US Launches an Attack.
The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations
Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the illicit industry.
A Frayed Alliance
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured significantly since Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Firm Answer
Upon being questioned if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to President
Petro spent part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he vowed.
Increased Security and Widespread Opposition
Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's personal security was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Sanctions
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.
