Colombian President Declares 'I Would Take Up Arms Again' if United States Launches an Attack.

President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.

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

Growing Tensions and Allegations

Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable military action towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the US."

While Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is directly involved in the trade.

A Frayed Partnership

This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in Washington, but relations have worsened significantly since Trump was elected.

Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.

Colombia's Firm Rebuttal

When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.

"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.

"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to Statesman

He passed part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he said.

Increased Security and Broad Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.

Bilateral and Financial Strains

American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.

At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.