Colombian President Warns 'I Will Take Up Arms Once More' should American Forces Invades.

The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.

Growing Rhetoric coupled with Accusations

Addressing journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened comparable armed intervention against Colombia, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the US."

Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the business.

A Strained Relationship

This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.

Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.

Petro's Strong Rebuttal

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

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.

"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.

"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

The president dedicated a period in his early life participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.

"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.

Heightened Measures along with Broad Opposition

Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action on Colombia.

Bilateral and Financial Strains

The US revoked the president's entry visa after he urged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and a number of associates.

At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.