Colombian President Declares 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Again' should American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

The US President and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He runs drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.

Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations

Addressing the press over the weekend, the American leader suggested comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and selling it to America."

Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.

A Strained Alliance

Colombia for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have soured dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.

The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded after a landmark accord.

Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal

Upon being questioned if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.

"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.

"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture me, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to Statesman

Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he said.

Increased Security and Broad Opposition

The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices spanning the ideological divide have denounced the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.

Political and Economic Strains

American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and various close collaborators.

At the same time while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.