Colombian President Says 'I Will Resort to Weapons Again' if American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

The US President along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

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

Rising Threats and Allegations

Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested similar armed intervention against Colombia, stating the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the United States."

While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the business.

A Frayed Alliance

This nation for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have soured significantly following Trump was elected.

The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Defiant Response

Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he declared.

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

"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.

From Fighter to Statesman

He passed a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.

Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition

The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's security detail was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the notion of American military action on Colombia.

Bilateral and Financial Strains

Washington cancelled Petro’s visa after he called on American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various associates.

Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.