Colombian Leader Warns 'I Shall Take Up Arms Once More' should American Forces Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.

Growing Threats coupled with Claims

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and selling it to the United States."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally involved in the trade.

A Frayed Partnership

Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have worsened significantly following Trump was elected.

Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised following a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Defiant Answer

Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to Leader

Petro spent part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.

"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he vowed.

Increased Security along with Broad Rejection

The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the notion of a US attack against their nation.

Political and Financial Strains

American authorities cancelled his travel authorization after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.

Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.