Colombian Leader Warns 'I Will Resort to Weapons Again' if US Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump along with Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.

Rising Threats coupled with Accusations

Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, claiming the country is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the US."

Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the trade.

A Deteriorating Partnership

Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have worsened dramatically after Trump came to office.

The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded after a historic peace agreement.

The President's Defiant Response

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

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.

"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture me, whom many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.

From Fighter to Statesman

The president dedicated part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.

"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he said.

Increased Security and Widespread Opposition

Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Pressure

American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various key allies.

Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.