Colombia's President Declares 'I Would Take Up Arms Again' should United States Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.

Growing Threats and Allegations

Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable military action against Colombia, stating the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."

Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the trade.

A Frayed Alliance

The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated markedly since Trump came to office.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.

Petro's Firm Response

When asked whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.

"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he posted online.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.

From Guerrilla to Leader

Petro spent part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.

"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he said.

Heightened Measures and Broad Rejection

The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.

Political and Financial Pressure

Washington cancelled Petro’s visa after he urged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and various associates.

At the same time the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.