Colombian Leader Declares 'I Will Resort to Weapons Once More' if United States Invades.

Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.

Growing Tensions and Allegations

Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable military action towards the South American nation, stating the country is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to America."

While Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the illicit industry.

A Frayed Relationship

This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured dramatically after Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised after a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Firm Answer

When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."

Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.

"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Leader

The president dedicated some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.

"I pledged to abstain from using arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.

Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition

The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.

A segment of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.

Political and Financial Pressure

Washington cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.

Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.