Colombia's President Warns 'I Will Return to Arms Once More' should American Forces Invades.

President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.

Escalating Threats and Allegations

Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at comparable use of force against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the US."

Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the trade.

A Strained Partnership

The country for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have worsened dramatically since Trump came to office.

Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.

The President's Firm Response

In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.

"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to President

Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected president.

"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he said.

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's personal security was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.

Bilateral and Financial Sanctions

Washington cancelled Petro’s visa following he urged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and several close collaborators.

Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.