Colombian President Declares 'I Would Resort to Weapons Once More' should American Forces Launches an Attack.

The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.

Rising Tensions and Allegations

Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump suggested analogous military action against Bogotá, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the United States."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the business.

A Strained Relationship

Colombia for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have worsened significantly after Trump was elected.

Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.

Petro's Strong Response

When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain me, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Leader

Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected president.

"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he said.

Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition

The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's personal security had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action on Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Sanctions

The US revoked Petro’s visa after he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes against the president, his wife and a number of associates.

At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.