Colombia's Leader Says 'I Shall Take Up Arms Once More' if American Forces Launches an Attack.

President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.

Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims

Talking to reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested similar military action against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and “run by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the US."

While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly tied to the trade.

A Deteriorating Partnership

The country was historically a key ally of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have soured dramatically since Trump came to office.

Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Strong Answer

In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.

"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.

From Insurgent to President

The president dedicated some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.

"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he said.

Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation

Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's security detail was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the notion of an invasion on Colombia.

Political and Financial Pressure

The US cancelled the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. In October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.

Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.