Colombian Leader Says 'I Would Resort to Weapons Again' if American Forces Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.

Escalating Tensions and Claims

Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president threatened comparable military action against Colombia, stating the country is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to America."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the trade.

A Strained Alliance

This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have soured dramatically after Trump came to office.

Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised following a landmark accord.

Petro's Firm Answer

When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.

"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture me, whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to President

He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he vowed.

Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's protection team was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion on Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Sanctions

Washington cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his wife and various close collaborators.

At the same time the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.