Colombia's President Says 'I Shall Return to Arms Again' if United States Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations

Talking to the press on Sunday, Trump threatened similar use of force against Colombia, stating the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the illicit industry.

A Strained Partnership

This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Strong Answer

When asked if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.

"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote online.

"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Statesman

Petro spent some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.

"I swore not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he said.

Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's personal security was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have rejected the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Bilateral and Financial Sanctions

Washington cancelled his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and several associates.

Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.