Colombia's Leader Says 'I Would Resort to Weapons Once More' should United States Intervenes Militarily.

The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.

Growing Threats and Allegations

Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested analogous military action against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the US."

Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally connected to the trade.

A Frayed Alliance

This nation for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have worsened markedly since Trump came to office.

The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.

Petro's Strong Response

When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.

"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

He passed a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.

"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he said.

Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have condemned the notion of American military action on Colombia.

Bilateral and Financial Sanctions

Washington cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and various associates.

At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.