Colombia's President Says 'I Would Resort to Weapons Again' should American Forces Invades.

Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

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

Growing Threats and Accusations

Addressing reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to the US."

While Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the trade.

A Frayed Alliance

The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump was elected.

The nation's illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised after a historic peace agreement.

Petro's Firm Rebuttal

When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he stated.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, which a large part of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.

From Fighter to Statesman

The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning the presidency.

"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he vowed.

Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition

Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have rejected the notion of a US attack against their nation.

Political and Financial Pressure

Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he called on US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. In October, it placed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.

Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.