Colombia's Leader Warns 'I Will Return to Arms Once More' if US Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.

Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations

Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous military action against Colombia, claiming the country is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the United States."

While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.

A Frayed Partnership

This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump was elected.

Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded after a historic peace agreement.

Petro's Firm Rebuttal

When asked whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.

"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.

"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain me, which many of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.

From Guerrilla to President

Petro spent some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I swore not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he vowed.

Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's security detail was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from across the ideological divide have denounced the notion of a US attack against their nation.

Diplomatic and Economic Pressure

American authorities revoked Petro’s visa following he called on US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.

At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.