Colombian Leader Says 'I Will Resort to Weapons Again' if United States Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He has drug factories and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Growing Tensions coupled with Claims

Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at comparable use of force towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the US."

While Colombia is the leading 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 key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have soured dramatically since Trump was elected.

Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a landmark accord.

Petro's Firm Rebuttal

In response to a query whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.

"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture me, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Fighter to President

The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he said.

Increased Security along with Broad Rejection

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, but voices spanning the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.

Political and Economic Strains

The US cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.

At the same time the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.