Colombia's Leader Says 'I Will Return to Arms Again' if US Launches an Attack.

President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, heightening strains bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.

Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations

Talking to the press over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the US."

Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly connected to the trade.

A Strained Relationship

The country for decades served as a key ally of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have soured dramatically after Trump was elected.

Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.

Petro's Strong Answer

Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.

"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed online.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to President

The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.

Heightened Measures and Broad Rejection

Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices spanning the political spectrum have denounced the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.

Political and Economic Pressure

American authorities revoked the president's entry visa after he urged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various associates.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.