Colombian President Declares 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Once More' if United States Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.

Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations

Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at analogous use of force towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to America."

While Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the trade.

A Strained Partnership

This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have soured significantly following Trump came to office.

The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.

The President's Strong Answer

When asked whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to Leader

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 creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.

"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he said.

Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection

Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's protection team had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, but voices spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.

Political and Financial Strains

The US cancelled the president's entry visa after he urged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. Months later, it placed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.