Colombia's Leader Warns 'I Would Resort to Weapons Once More' should American Forces Invades.

Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.

Rising Rhetoric and Accusations

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous use of force against Bogotá, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to America."

Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly connected to the business.

A Strained Relationship

The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have worsened significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.

The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.

The President's Defiant Response

Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to Statesman

Petro spent part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.

"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.

Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Rejection

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's protection team was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the political spectrum have rejected the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.

Political and Economic Strains

Washington revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out strikes on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.