Colombian Leader Says 'I Would Take Up Arms Once More' if US Launches an Attack.

The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Growing Threats coupled with Allegations

Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened similar use of force towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."

Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly connected to the trade.

A Frayed Alliance

The country was historically a close partner of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.

The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a landmark accord.

The President's Defiant Rebuttal

Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."

Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.

"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom many of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.

"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he affirmed.

Heightened Measures and Widespread Condemnation

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

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from across the ideological divide have condemned the threats of American military action against their nation.

Bilateral and Financial Sanctions

American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he urged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and several close collaborators.

Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.