Colombian President Says 'I Would Resort to Weapons Again' if US Invades.
Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations
Talking to reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable armed intervention against Colombia, stating the nation faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the United States."
Although Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the trade.
A Frayed Relationship
The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have worsened dramatically since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.
Petro's Firm Response
Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."
Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.
"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Strains
The US withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.
At the same time as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.
