Colombia's Leader Says 'I Would Return to Arms Again' should American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.

Growing Threats coupled with Allegations

Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and selling it to America."

While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the trade.

A Strained Partnership

Colombia has long been a close partner of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically following Trump was elected.

Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.

The President's Firm Rebuttal

In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.

"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the president, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.

From Fighter to President

The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.

"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he said.

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection

The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s personal security was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Sanctions

Washington revoked Petro’s visa following he encouraged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.

Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.