Colombia's President Warns 'I Will Take Up Arms Once More' if United States Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Growing Tensions coupled with Allegations

Talking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous use of force against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man involved in producing the drug and distributing it to America."

Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the trade.

A Strained Relationship

The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have soured dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.

Colombia's Firm Rebuttal

When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.

"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Statesman

Petro spent part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.

"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection

Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of American military action against their nation.

Bilateral and Financial Sanctions

The US withdrew the president's entry visa following he called on American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.

Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.