Colombia's Leader Warns 'I Will Return to Arms Again' should American Forces Launches an Attack.

President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Growing Threats and Accusations

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened similar armed intervention against Bogotá, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to America."

Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Partnership

Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have soured markedly since Trump came to office.

The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Strong Answer

In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."

President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.

"He comments without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Leader

Petro spent part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.

Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's personal security was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from across Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of American military action against their nation.

Bilateral and Financial Pressure

American authorities cancelled his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and a number of close collaborators.

Concurrently as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.