Colombia's Leader Says 'I Shall Take Up Arms Again' should American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

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

Rising Rhetoric and Allegations

Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened analogous military action against Colombia, stating Colombia faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and distributing it to America."

While Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the business.

A Deteriorating Relationship

The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have soured markedly since Trump was elected.

Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised after a landmark accord.

Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal

In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to President

He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.

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

Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Opposition

Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Political and Financial Sanctions

American authorities withdrew his travel authorization following he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several close collaborators.

Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.