Colombia's President Declares 'I Would Resort to Weapons Again' if American Forces Launches an Attack.

President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Rising Threats coupled with Accusations

Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president suggested analogous use of force against Colombia, stating the nation is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the US."

Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.

A Frayed Relationship

The country for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have worsened markedly since Trump came to office.

The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Defiant Response

In response to a query if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom many of the country admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to President

The president dedicated part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he took part in writing a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.

"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have rejected the notion of a US attack against their nation.

Political and Financial Pressure

American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa following he encouraged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his spouse and a number of key allies.

Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.