Colombia's President Warns 'I Shall Take Up Arms Once More' if American Forces Invades.
Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.
Growing Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and selling it to the United States."
Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the illicit industry.
A Strained Partnership
Colombia for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded after a landmark accord.
Colombia's Strong Response
In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain me, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to Statesman
He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.
"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation
Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of an invasion against their nation.
Political and Economic Strains
The US revoked the president's entry visa following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and several associates.
At the same time the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.
