Colombian Leader Warns 'I Will Resort to Weapons Once More' if US Launches an Attack.

The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Growing Rhetoric coupled with Accusations

Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and distributing it to the US."

While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the trade.

A Deteriorating Relationship

This nation was historically a close partner of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated markedly since Trump was elected.

The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Firm Response

When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.

"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Statesman

The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he vowed.

Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection

Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's protection team had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion against their nation.

Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions

Washington cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and a number of key allies.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.