Colombia's Leader Says 'I Will Take Up Arms Once More' should American Forces Invades.

President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.

Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations

Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump suggested similar military action towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."

While Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the trade.

A Frayed Relationship

This nation for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.

Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Firm Response

When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."

Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to President

Petro spent part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.

"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he vowed.

Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation

Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s security detail was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have denounced the notion of a US attack against their nation.

Bilateral and Economic Pressure

American authorities revoked Petro’s visa following he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. In October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and several key allies.

Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.