Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Will Resort to Weapons Again' if United States Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Rising Threats coupled with Allegations

Talking to reporters over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the US."

Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly tied to the business.

A Deteriorating Partnership

Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.

Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised after a landmark accord.

Petro's Defiant Response

When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he stated.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed online.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Fighter to Leader

He passed part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection

The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s protection team had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from across the ideological divide have condemned the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions

Washington withdrew Petro’s visa following he called on American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes 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 against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.