Colombia's President Warns 'I Will Take Up Arms Again' should US Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.

Growing Threats coupled with Accusations

Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested analogous military action towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the US."

While Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally connected to the illicit industry.

A Frayed Relationship

This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have soured dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.

The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Strong Answer

Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.

"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the president, whom a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.

From Fighter to Leader

Petro spent part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition

Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across the ideological divide have condemned the notion of American military action on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Pressure

The US revoked the president's entry visa following he urged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, the first lady and several associates.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.