Colombia's President Declares 'I Would Resort to Weapons Once More' should United States Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.

Rising Threats and Allegations

Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable use of force against Colombia, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the US."

Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly connected to the business.

A Frayed Relationship

The country was historically a close partner of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.

Its drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.

The President's Firm Response

Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.

"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Leader

Petro spent a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.

"I swore not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection

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

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have rejected the notion of an invasion against their nation.

Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions

American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa after he called on US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.