Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Would Return to Arms Once More' if American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.

Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims

Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested comparable use of force against Colombia, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the US."

While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.

A Strained Relationship

Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened significantly following Trump came to office.

Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.

Colombia's Strong Rebuttal

In response to a query whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.

"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.

From Fighter to President

He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.

"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he said.

Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have denounced the notion of a US attack against their nation.

Political and Financial Strains

American authorities withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and several key allies.

At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.