Colombian Leader Says 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Again' if United States Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone of their war of words, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.

Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable military action against Colombia, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the US."

While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, who was elected in 2022, is personally tied to the trade.

A Strained Relationship

The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured markedly after Trump was elected.

The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.

The President's Strong Answer

In response to a query whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture me, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

He passed some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.

"I made a vow to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions

The US withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various key allies.

Concurrently as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.