Colombian President Says 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Once More' if US Invades.

The US President and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.

Rising Rhetoric and Allegations

Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump threatened similar military action against Colombia, stating Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and trafficking it to America."

While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.

A Frayed Relationship

This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have worsened significantly since Trump was elected.

The nation's narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.

Colombia's Strong Answer

Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.

"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.

Increased Security and Broad Rejection

The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Strains

American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa after he called on US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and several key allies.

At the same time as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.