Colombia's President Warns 'I Would Take Up Arms Again' if US Invades.

Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

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

Rising Tensions and Accusations

Talking to the press over the weekend, the American leader suggested analogous military action against Colombia, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the United States."

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

A Deteriorating Partnership

This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have worsened markedly after Trump came to office.

Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Firm Response

When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."

President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he declared.

"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

He passed part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.

"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.

Increased Security and Broad Rejection

Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s protection team was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the notion of an invasion on Colombia.

Political and Financial Pressure

The US withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he urged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and several close collaborators.

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