Colombia's Leader Warns 'I Shall Take Up Arms Again' if United States Launches an Attack.

The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.

Growing Rhetoric and Claims

Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the US."

While Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way tied to the trade.

A Strained Partnership

This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly since Trump came to office.

Its narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised following a landmark accord.

Colombia's Firm Rebuttal

In response to a query whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.

"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture me, which many of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.

From Fighter to Leader

He passed a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.

"I swore not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he vowed.

Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection

Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's security detail had received additional support.

Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions

The US withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several associates.

Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.