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Tensions between the US and Colombia escalated after President Donald Trump prompt the South American nation might face U.S. army motion, prompting an unusually direct response from Colombia’s president. The feedback drew much more consideration after protection by UNILAD, which detailed the trade between the 2 leaders.
Chatting with reporters aboard Air Drive One, Trump described Colombia as “very sick” and accused President Gustavo Petro of being concerned in cocaine manufacturing and trafficking. He referred to Petro as “a sick man who likes making cocaine and promoting it to the US,” remarks that rapidly circulated internationally.
When requested whether or not Colombia might face the identical type of army motion the U.S. had simply carried out in neighboring Venezuela, Trump stated the concept “sounds good to me.” He later added a warning directed at Petro, telling him to “watch his ass.” The feedback adopted different current statements from Trump about increasing U.S. involvement within the area, together with claims that Venezuela’s disaster might justify additional intervention.
This escalated far quicker than anybody anticipated
Petro responded the next day with a message referencing his previous as a member of the left-wing M-19 guerrilla motion, which disarmed after a peace settlement in 1989. He stated he had sworn by no means to the touch a weapon once more however would accomplish that “for the homeland” if Colombia have been attacked.
Petro, who grew to become Colombia’s first left-wing president after his election in 2022, denied Trump’s allegations of drug trafficking. He stated Trump was talking “with out information” and warned that U.S. army motion would result in civilian deaths and renewed insurgency. Petro argued that bombing rural areas with out exact intelligence would kill kids and drive 1000’s of guerrillas again into the mountains.
To counter the accusations, Petro pointed to his administration’s report towards organized crime, together with the seizure of 14 tonnes of cocaine in a single operation, which he stated was the biggest in historical past. He additionally cited army actions towards armed teams concerned within the drug commerce, together with the Gulf Clan, the Nationwide Liberation Military, and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia.
Petro additionally addressed claims about his private integrity, stating that he’s neither illegitimate nor a narcotics trafficker. He stated his property consist solely of his household residence, which he continues to pay for together with his wage, and that his financial institution statements have been printed and present no unexplained wealth.
In his remaining warning, Petro stated that arresting or eradicating a president supported by a lot of the inhabitants would “unleash the favored jaguar.” The trade comes as considerations proceed over escalating rhetoric and the opportunity of additional confrontation within the area.
