Colombia's Leader Warns 'I Would Resort to Weapons Once More' if United States Intervenes Militarily.

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

"He runs drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Growing Tensions coupled with Claims

Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar use of force against Bogotá, claiming the country is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to America."

While Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is in any way involved in the business.

A Strained Partnership

The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Firm Answer

When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a large part of the country loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

He passed part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.

"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he affirmed.

Heightened Measures and Broad Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's personal security was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from across Colombian politics have condemned the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.

Bilateral and Financial Strains

American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various associates.

Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.