Colombia's President Declares 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Once More' should US Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.

Rising Tensions and Accusations

Addressing journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous military action against Colombia, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the United States."

While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally connected to the trade.

A Strained Relationship

Colombia has long been a close partner of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.

The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.

The President's Firm Response

When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.

"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.

"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a large part of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

The president dedicated part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.

"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he vowed.

Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s security detail had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have condemned the threats of an invasion on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Strains

The US withdrew his travel authorization after he called on American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, it placed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.

Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.