Colombian Leader Declares 'I Would Take Up Arms Again' should American Forces Launches an Attack.

President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.

Rising Threats and Accusations

Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president threatened comparable use of force against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to America."

While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Alliance

Colombia has long been a key ally of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.

The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a landmark accord.

Colombia's Strong Answer

Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.

"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.

"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest me, which a large part of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.

From Insurgent to President

He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.

"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.

Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the notion of American military action on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Pressure

The US withdrew his travel authorization following he called on US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his wife and a number of associates.

Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.