Colombian Leader Says 'I Shall Return to Arms Once More' if US Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations

Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump suggested analogous military action against Colombia, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and selling it to the US."

While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally connected to the business.

A Deteriorating Relationship

Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump came to office.

The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.

Colombia's Firm Rebuttal

When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.

"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

The president dedicated part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.

"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he said.

Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have condemned the notion of a US attack against their nation.

Bilateral and Financial Pressure

The US revoked Petro’s visa after he urged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and several associates.

At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.