Colombian President Warns 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Once More' if American Forces Invades.

Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.

Growing Threats coupled with Allegations

Talking to the press on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and selling it to America."

While Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.

A Frayed Partnership

The country for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.

Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.

Petro's Strong Rebuttal

When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Statesman

Petro spent a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.

"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he vowed.

Heightened Measures along with Widespread Rejection

The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.

A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from across Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of a US attack targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Pressure

Washington cancelled his travel authorization following he called on US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.

Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.