Colombian Leader Says 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Again' should US Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Escalating Threats and Accusations

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and selling it to America."

Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the business.

A Deteriorating Partnership

The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have soured markedly after Trump came to office.

Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.

The President's Defiant Rebuttal

In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to Leader

Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.

"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he said.

Increased Security along with Broad Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have denounced the threats of a US attack against their nation.

Bilateral and Financial Pressure

The US revoked the president's entry visa following he urged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.

At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.