Colombian Leader Says 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Once More' if American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Rising Threats and Allegations

Talking to the press over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the United States."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the trade.

A Frayed Alliance

Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.

The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Firm Answer

Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.

"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of the country loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.

From Fighter to Leader

He passed some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he vowed.

Heightened Measures and Broad Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the threats of a US attack against their nation.

Diplomatic and Financial Strains

The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and several associates.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.