Colombia's Leader Warns 'I Would Resort to Weapons Again' if United States Launches an Attack.

The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.

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

Rising Rhetoric and Claims

Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the US."

While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Relationship

This nation has long been a key ally of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.

Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Strong Answer

In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest me, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to Leader

Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.

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

Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition

The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.

Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Strains

American authorities cancelled his travel authorization following he called on American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. In October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.

At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.