Colombia's President Says 'I Would Take Up Arms Once More' should American Forces Invades.

The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.

Escalating Rhetoric and Claims

Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened similar military action against Bogotá, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to America."

While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally connected to the business.

A Deteriorating Partnership

Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have soured dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.

Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.

Petro's Defiant Response

When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.

"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to Leader

The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.

"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.

Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection

Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have rejected the notion of American military action against their nation.

Bilateral and Economic Sanctions

Washington cancelled the president's entry visa after he called on American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and various associates.

At the same time as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.