A splinter group from the former Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) has announced its readiness to combat the United States should American forces infringe on Colombia's sovereignty.

This declaration comes amidst threats from U.S. President Donald Trump regarding potential ground operations targeting drug traffickers in the region.

The militia, known as the "Central General Staff," stated in a release on Saturday: "We are accustomed to fighting those who must be fought and have always been staunch opponents of the American empire."

The statement, relayed by Agence France-Presse, continued: "We will not permit any military intervention nor any violation of Colombia’s sovereignty."

A 2016 peace agreement reached by Bogotá with FARC, which at that time was Latin America's most powerful militia, managed to reduce violence across Colombia for some time.

However, the "Central General Staff" remains one of the prominent factions rejecting this peace accord.

Since September, the United States has conducted airstrikes predominantly in the Caribbean Sea, targeting vessels allegedly belonging to drug traffickers.

Washington has claimed responsibility for ten such strikes. These operations have resulted in at least 43 fatalities, according to an AFP count based on U.S. government figures.

The airstrikes have heightened regional tensions, particularly involving Venezuela and Colombia.

President Trump has accused Colombian President Gustavo Petro of inadequate action against drug trafficking and imposed economic sanctions on him while threatening that the next step might involve a “ground operation.”

The "Central General Staff" militia controls drug production areas throughout several regions of Colombia, especially near the Venezuelan border.