Colombian Leader Says 'I Shall Return to Arms Once More' if United States Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.

Growing Tensions and Allegations

Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable military action against Colombia, stating the nation faces serious problems and “run by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the US."

Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the trade.

A Frayed Relationship

This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically after Trump was elected.

Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Strong Response

When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.

"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Statesman

He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.

"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.

Heightened Measures and Widespread Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, but voices spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of an invasion against their nation.

Political and Financial Strains

American authorities cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.

At the same time the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.