Colombia's President Warns 'I Will Resort to Weapons Again' if US Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."

Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.

A Strained Partnership

This nation has long been a close partner of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.

The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal

Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.

"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.

"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to President

Petro spent part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he said.

Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.

Political and Economic Pressure

American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, it placed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and various key allies.

Concurrently as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.