Colombia's Leader Says 'I Will Take Up Arms Once More' should US Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

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

Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations

Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar military action towards the South American nation, asserting the country is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the US."

Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the illicit industry.

A Frayed Partnership

Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have soured dramatically since Trump came to office.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.

Petro's Defiant Rebuttal

In response to a query whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.

"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.

"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Fighter to President

The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.

"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.

Increased Security along with Broad Opposition

Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the threats of an invasion against their nation.

Bilateral and Economic Pressure

American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa following he encouraged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his wife and various key allies.

Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.