Colombia's President Says 'I Would Take Up Arms Once More' if US Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their war of words, further raising tensions between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.

Rising Threats and Allegations

Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at comparable use of force towards the South American nation, stating the nation faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the United States."

Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Alliance

The country has long been a close partner of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have soured dramatically following Trump was elected.

Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.

Colombia's Defiant Response

When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.

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

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom a large part of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to Statesman

The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.

"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he affirmed.

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection

Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s personal security had received additional support.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of American military action against their nation.

Diplomatic and Economic Pressure

American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and several associates.

At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.