Colombia's Leader Says 'I Would Resort to Weapons Again' if US Invades.

The US President and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their war of words, heightening strains bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

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

Escalating Threats coupled with Allegations

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at comparable military action against Bogotá, claiming the nation faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the US."

While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly connected to the business.

A Frayed Partnership

Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised after a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Strong Response

In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."

President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture me, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to President

He passed a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.

"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he said.

Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition

The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s security detail was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have condemned the notion of American military action on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Strains

American authorities cancelled his travel authorization after he urged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his wife and several associates.

Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.