Colombia's President Declares 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Again' if US Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He has cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Escalating Tensions and Claims

Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable military action towards the South American nation, stating the country is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the United States."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Relationship

This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.

Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Firm Rebuttal

When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Leader

The president dedicated part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.

"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.

Heightened Measures and Widespread Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Pressure

Washington withdrew the president's entry visa following he encouraged US troops to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.

At the same time as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.