Colombia's President Declares 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Once More' if US Invades.

President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He operates drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Rising Threats coupled with Allegations

Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the country faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the United States."

Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the business.

A Deteriorating Relationship

This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.

Colombia's Firm Response

Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.

"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Leader

Petro spent a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.

"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.

Increased Security and Broad Rejection

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s personal security had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from across the ideological divide have denounced the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Pressure

Washington withdrew Petro’s visa following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and various associates.

Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.