Colombian Leader Warns 'I Would Resort to Weapons Once More' if American Forces Intervenes Militarily.
President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries following American military units struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.
"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.
Escalating Rhetoric and Allegations
Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the United States."
While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
The country was historically a close partner of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened dramatically following Trump came to office.
The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.
Colombia's Defiant Response
In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."
Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he posted online.
"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.
From Guerrilla to Leader
He passed some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.
"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he said.
Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation
Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s security detail was strengthened.
A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Bilateral and Economic Pressure
The US withdrew Petro’s visa after he encouraged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and several associates.
Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.