Colombia's Leader Warns 'I Shall Return to Arms Again' should United States Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.

Escalating Rhetoric and Accusations

Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the country faces serious problems and governed by a sick man involved in producing the drug and distributing it to America."

Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly connected to the trade.

A Strained Relationship

Colombia was historically a close partner of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured dramatically after Trump came to office.

Its drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.

Petro's Firm Rebuttal

Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.

"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.

"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.

From Guerrilla to Leader

Petro spent a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.

"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.

Heightened Measures along with Widespread Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.

Political and Economic Strains

American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa after he encouraged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.

At the same time the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.