Colombian President Declares 'I Will Return to Arms Again' should American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.

Rising Tensions and Allegations

Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump hinted at comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to America."

While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the trade.

A Frayed Partnership

This nation for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have worsened dramatically after Trump was elected.

The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a historic peace agreement.

Petro's Firm Answer

In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.

"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to Leader

Petro spent a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.

"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he said.

Heightened Measures and Broad Rejection

Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Pressure

Washington revoked the president's entry visa following he urged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and several associates.

Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.