Colombia's President Says 'I Will Resort to Weapons Once More' should United States Launches an Attack.

The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their exchange, heightening strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Rising Threats coupled with Accusations

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to the US."

Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the trade.

A Strained Alliance

Colombia for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly since Trump came to office.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.

Colombia's Strong Answer

When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.

"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Fighter to President

The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.

Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's protection team was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Strains

Washington revoked Petro’s visa following he urged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.

Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.