Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Would Resort to Weapons Once More' should United States Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.

Escalating Threats and Accusations

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable use of force towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."

Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the business.

A Frayed Partnership

Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a historic peace agreement.

Petro's Strong Response

When asked if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."

President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.

"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Leader

He passed part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning president.

"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.

Heightened Measures and Cross-Political Rejection

Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s security detail had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of American military action against their nation.

Bilateral and Economic Sanctions

American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and several associates.

Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.