Colombian Leader Says 'I Would Resort to Weapons Again' if American Forces Invades.

The US President and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.

Escalating Threats and Allegations

Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous military action towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."

Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the business.

A Deteriorating Alliance

The country was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated dramatically after Trump came to office.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.

Petro's Firm Rebuttal

When asked if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to Leader

Petro spent a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.

"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he said.

Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation

Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Political and Financial Pressure

American authorities revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and several associates.

Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.