Colombia's President Declares 'I Would Resort to Weapons Once More' if United States Invades.

The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.

Escalating Threats and Claims

Talking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at comparable use of force against Bogotá, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the US."

While Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.

A Frayed Partnership

Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.

The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a landmark accord.

Petro's Strong Response

Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.

"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Leader

Petro spent a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.

"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he vowed.

Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s personal security was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.

Political and Economic Strains

American authorities revoked his travel authorization after he urged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.