Colombian Leader Says 'I Will Return to Arms Again' should United States Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

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

Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations

Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested similar use of force against Colombia, asserting the country faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."

While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the business.

A Frayed Relationship

The country for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured markedly after Trump came to office.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Firm Rebuttal

In response to a query whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.

"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture me, whom many of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to Statesman

He passed a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning president.

"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's personal security had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of a US attack against their nation.

Bilateral and Financial Pressure

The US cancelled the president's entry visa after he called on US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several associates.

Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.