Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Shall Take Up Arms Once More' if US Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

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

Escalating Threats and Claims

Talking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, stating the nation is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the US."

While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly tied to the trade.

A Strained Alliance

Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.

The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.

The President's Firm Rebuttal

When asked if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."

Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.

"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to President

He passed some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the presidency.

"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he vowed.

Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation

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

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from across Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.

Bilateral and Financial Pressure

Washington revoked his travel authorization after he urged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several key allies.

At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.