Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Will Take Up Arms Once More' should US Launches an Attack.

President Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing strains bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

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

Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations

Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump suggested analogous use of force against Colombia, stating the country is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."

While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the trade.

A Deteriorating Partnership

The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded following a landmark accord.

Colombia's Firm Answer

In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he declared.

"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.

From Fighter to Statesman

The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning president.

"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he vowed.

Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Opposition

Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's security detail was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Strains

American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and several key allies.

Concurrently the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.