Colombian President Declares 'I Will Resort to Weapons Again' if US Invades.

The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

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

Rising Tensions and Allegations

Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested comparable military action against Colombia, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."

Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the business.

A Strained Relationship

This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.

The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded following a historic peace agreement.

The President's Defiant Response

When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain me, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.

From Fighter to President

He passed part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.

"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he said.

Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Bilateral and Financial Sanctions

Washington revoked his travel authorization after he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several associates.

Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.