Colombia's President Says 'I Would Take Up Arms Again' should US Invades.
Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous military action against Bogotá, stating the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the business.
A Frayed Partnership
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Answer
When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.
"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection
Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s protection team was strengthened.
Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Financial Strains
The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. In October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.