Colombia's Leader Warns 'I Would Resort to Weapons Once More' should American Forces Invades.

President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Growing Threats coupled with Claims

Talking to reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."

While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the business.

A Deteriorating Partnership

Colombia was historically a close partner of Washington in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated markedly after Trump came to office.

Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.

Petro's Firm Rebuttal

In response to a query if military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.

"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the president, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to Leader

Petro spent a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.

"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he said.

Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition

Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s personal security was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from across the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of a US attack against their nation.

Bilateral and Economic Pressure

American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa after he encouraged US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and several associates.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.