Colombian Leader Says 'I Will Return to Arms Once More' should United States Invades.
President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.
"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.
Growing Threats and Claims
Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested similar military action against Bogotá, claiming the country faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the US."
Although Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the trade.
A Frayed Alliance
The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.
Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a historic peace agreement.
Petro's Firm Response
In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."
The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.
"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.
"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.
From Fighter to President
Petro spent some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in writing a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.
"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he said.
Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection
The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.
Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.
Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions
American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa following he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.
Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.
