Colombia's President Warns 'I Will Return to Arms Again' if US Intervenes Militarily.
President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Rising Tensions coupled with Claims
Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and distributing it to America."
While Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Frayed Partnership
Colombia was historically a close partner of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.
Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Rebuttal
When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.
"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.
Heightened Measures along with Broad Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Economic Pressure
The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he called on US troops to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.
At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.