Colombian President Says 'I Will Resort to Weapons Once More' if US Invades.

Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, heightening tensions bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Escalating Tensions and Accusations

Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable military action against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and selling it to America."

While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the business.

A Frayed Relationship

Colombia for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.

Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.

Colombia's Firm Answer

When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.

"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to Statesman

The president dedicated part of his youth as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.

"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection and Widespread Rejection

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

Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have condemned the notion of an invasion on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions

The US withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and various key allies.

Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.