Colombia's President Says 'I Would Take Up Arms Once More' should American Forces Invades.

President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.

Growing Threats and Claims

Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous use of force against Colombia, stating the nation is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the US."

Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.

A Strained Partnership

This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly since Trump came to office.

The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.

Petro's Strong Answer

Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted online.

"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the president, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to President

The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.

Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition

Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the ideological divide have condemned the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.

Political and Financial Sanctions

American authorities revoked the president's entry visa after he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and several associates.

Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.