Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Will Resort to Weapons Once More' should US Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.

Escalating Threats coupled with Claims

Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump suggested comparable military action towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."

Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.

A Frayed Partnership

Colombia has long been a key ally of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly since Trump was elected.

The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a landmark accord.

Petro's Firm Response

Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.

"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to President

The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he vowed.

Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition

Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's personal security had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Strains

The US cancelled Petro’s visa after he urged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and a number of associates.

Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.