Colombia's President Warns 'I Would Resort to Weapons Again' should American Forces Launches an Attack.

President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations

Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and selling it to America."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the business.

A Frayed Partnership

The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly following Trump was elected.

Its drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal

In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.

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

"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to Leader

The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.

Increased Security along with Broad Rejection

The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of American military action on Colombia.

Bilateral and Financial Pressure

Washington cancelled his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.

At the same time while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.