Colombian President Warns 'I Shall Take Up Arms Once More' should United States Invades.

Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.

Growing Threats and Claims

Addressing the press over the weekend, the American leader suggested comparable use of force against Colombia, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the United States."

Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the business.

A Strained Alliance

The country was historically a key ally of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have soured dramatically since Trump was elected.

The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a landmark accord.

Petro's Defiant Answer

When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.

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

"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.

From Fighter to President

Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.

Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices spanning the political spectrum have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Pressure

American authorities withdrew his travel authorization following he urged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his wife and various key allies.

At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.