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

Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.

Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims

Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous use of force against Bogotá, stating the country faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to America."

Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.

A Frayed Partnership

The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated markedly since Trump was elected.

The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Strong Answer

Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.

"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture the president, which a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to President

He passed part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.

"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he said.

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition

The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of American military action on Colombia.

Political and Economic Pressure

American authorities revoked the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.

At the same time while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.