Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Again' if United States Invades.

Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Escalating Threats coupled with Allegations

Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened similar armed intervention against Bogotá, stating the country faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to America."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly connected to the illicit industry.

A Frayed Alliance

Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.

The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Strong Response

Upon being questioned whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to Leader

The president dedicated part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.

"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection

Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of a US attack on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Strains

American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa following he urged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.

At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.