Colombian President Declares 'I Would Take Up Arms Once More' if American Forces Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations

Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the country is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and distributing it to America."

While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the illicit industry.

A Frayed Alliance

Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated dramatically after Trump came to office.

The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Firm Response

Upon being questioned if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.

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

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

He passed part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.

"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection

The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the notion of American military action against their nation.

Political and Financial Sanctions

Washington cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and various associates.

Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.