Colombia's President Says 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Once More' should United States Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

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

Growing Tensions and Accusations

Addressing the press over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar use of force against Colombia, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the US."

Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the trade.

A Strained Partnership

This nation was historically a close partner of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Defiant Answer

Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.

"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, which many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Fighter to Statesman

Petro spent part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he said.

Heightened Measures along with Broad Rejection

Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Pressure

American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.

Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.