Colombia's Leader Warns 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Once More' if American Forces Launches an Attack.

President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Escalating Threats coupled with Claims

Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to America."

Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way connected to the trade.

A Deteriorating Partnership

The country for decades served as a close partner of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a historic peace agreement.

Petro's Strong Response

When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.

"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to President

The president dedicated part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he said.

Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection

The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices spanning Colombian politics have denounced the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Strains

Washington withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.

At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.