Colombian Leader Declares 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Once More' if United States Launches an Attack.

The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their war of words, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims

Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar use of force against Colombia, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the United States."

While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the business.

A Frayed Partnership

The country was historically a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have soured markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.

Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised following a landmark accord.

The President's Defiant Rebuttal

Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Statesman

He passed part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he vowed.

Increased Security and Broad Opposition

Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's security detail had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have rejected the threats of American military action against their nation.

Bilateral and Financial Sanctions

The US revoked his travel authorization following he urged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, his wife and various close collaborators.

At the same time while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.