Colombia's Leader Says 'I Shall Return to Arms Once More' should US Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

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

Rising Threats coupled with Accusations

Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar military action against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and selling it to America."

Although Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the business.

A Frayed Relationship

The country for decades served as a key ally of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have worsened significantly since Trump came to office.

Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.

Colombia's Firm Response

Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.

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

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to President

He passed a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.

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

Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s protection team was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the notion of a US attack on Colombia.

Bilateral and Financial Pressure

Washington revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.