Colombia's Leader Warns 'I Would Resort to Weapons Once More' should American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims

Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested similar military action towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the US."

While Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the trade.

A Deteriorating Alliance

The country for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.

Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.

Petro's Strong Answer

In response to a query if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.

"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to President

The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected president.

"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he said.

Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition

Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.

Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have denounced the notion of a US attack on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Pressure

American authorities cancelled his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.

At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.