Colombian Leader Warns 'I Shall Return to Arms Again' should American Forces Launches an Attack.
Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He has drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.
Rising Threats coupled with Claims
Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, stating the country is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and selling it to America."
Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.
A Strained Alliance
This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.
Colombia's Strong Rebuttal
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."
Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.
"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted online.
"If US bombs target civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to President
The president dedicated a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.
"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation
The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's protection team had received additional support.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion against their nation.
Diplomatic and Economic Pressure
The US revoked the president's entry visa following he called on US troops to refuse unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.