Colombian Leader Declares 'I Will Resort to Weapons Again' if US Invades.
The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable military action against Colombia, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the US."
Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.
A Strained Relationship
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.
The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture me, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection
Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's security detail had received additional support.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of American military action on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions
American authorities revoked the president's entry visa after he urged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and a number of associates.
Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.