Colombian Leader Says 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Once More' if American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

The US President and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.

Growing Threats coupled with Allegations

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and led by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to America."

While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the trade.

A Deteriorating Partnership

The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and received cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have soured significantly since Trump came to office.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.

The President's Defiant Rebuttal

Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.

"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to Leader

The president dedicated part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.

Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's security detail had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the notion of a US attack against their nation.

Bilateral and Economic Strains

The US revoked the president's entry visa following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and various key allies.

Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.