Colombia's President Declares 'I Shall Return to Arms Once More' should US Invades.

The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their exchange, heightening tensions between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.

Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Accusations

Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable military action against Colombia, stating the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the US."

Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way connected to the business.

A Strained Alliance

Colombia has long been a key ally of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened markedly after Trump came to office.

The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.

The President's Defiant Response

When asked whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.

"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to Statesman

He passed part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.

"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he said.

Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, but voices from across Colombian politics have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Pressure

Washington withdrew his travel authorization following he urged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.

Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.