Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Shall Take Up Arms Again' should American Forces Launches an Attack.

The US President and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their exchange, heightening tensions in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.

Escalating Rhetoric and Allegations

Talking to reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who likes making cocaine and selling it to the US."

Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the illicit industry.

A Frayed Relationship

The country was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.

Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Strong Response

In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted online.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the president, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to President

Petro spent part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.

"I made a vow to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.

Increased Security and Widespread Opposition

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

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures from across the ideological divide have condemned the notion of American military action on Colombia.

Political and Economic Pressure

American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and several associates.

At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.