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

President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Growing Rhetoric coupled with Allegations

Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader suggested comparable armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the country is also "very ill" and led by a sick man involved in producing the drug and selling it to America."

While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the illicit industry.

A Strained Alliance

Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have worsened dramatically since Trump came to office.

Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.

Petro's Firm Answer

In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.

"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain the president, whom a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.

From Fighter to Statesman

Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.

"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation

Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that Petro's security detail was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices from across Colombian politics have rejected the notion of an invasion against their nation.

Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions

The US withdrew the president's entry visa following he called on US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and several associates.

Concurrently as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.