Colombia's President Declares 'I Would Return to Arms Again' if United States Invades.
Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.
"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Escalating Tensions and Allegations
Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the country is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the US."
While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the trade.
A Strained Alliance
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have worsened markedly since Trump was elected.
Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.
The President's Firm Rebuttal
Upon being questioned if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.
"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.
"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.
From Insurgent to Statesman
The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he affirmed.
Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.
Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Political and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew his travel authorization following he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.
Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.
