Colombia's Leader Warns 'I Would Resort to Weapons Again' should US Invades.
President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.
Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump hinted at comparable military action against Bogotá, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the US."
While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the business.
A Deteriorating Alliance
This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.
Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.
Colombia's Firm Answer
When asked whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."
The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.
From Insurgent to Leader
The president dedicated part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.
"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.
Increased Security and Broad Rejection
The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.
A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have condemned the threats of an invasion on Colombia.
Diplomatic and Financial Pressure
American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa following he urged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and various associates.
At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.
