Colombian Leader Declares 'I Would Resort to Weapons Again' should US Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs drug factories and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.

Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations

Talking to journalists over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable armed intervention against Colombia, stating Colombia faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and selling it to America."

While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Relationship

Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically since Trump was elected.

The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.

Colombia's Defiant Answer

Upon being questioned if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Statesman

He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he said.

Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s security detail was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the threats of American military action against their nation.

Political and Financial Pressure

The US cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and a number of close collaborators.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.