Colombian President Warns 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Again' if US Launches an Attack.

The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their exchange, heightening tensions between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims

Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable military action towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the US."

While Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally connected to the illicit industry.

A Strained Alliance

This nation for decades served as a key ally of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.

Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.

Petro's Strong Answer

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

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.

"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain me, which many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.

From Insurgent to President

Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning president.

"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition

Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's protection team was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Political and Financial Sanctions

The US withdrew the president's entry visa after he called on American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his wife and various key allies.

Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.