Colombia's President Says 'I Will Take Up Arms Again' should United States Intervenes Militarily.

The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.

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

Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations

Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, stating the nation is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to America."

While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly connected to the business.

A Frayed Relationship

Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have soured dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.

The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Defiant Answer

In response to a query whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain me, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.

From Fighter to Statesman

The president dedicated a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.

Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.

Political and Economic Pressure

Washington withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and several associates.

Concurrently as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.