Colombian Leader Declares 'I Will Take Up Arms Once More' if American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He operates drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Growing Threats coupled with Allegations

Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable military action against Bogotá, asserting the country is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and trafficking it to America."

While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly tied to the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Alliance

The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump came to office.

The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.

Petro's Strong Answer

When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.

"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted online.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the people," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

Petro spent part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.

"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition

The Colombian defence minister stated that the president’s protection team was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of American military action on Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Strains

The US cancelled Petro’s visa following he called on US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various associates.

Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.