Colombian Leader Warns 'I Would Resort to Weapons Once More' if US Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.

Growing Rhetoric and Accusations

Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and selling it to the United States."

Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.

A Frayed Alliance

This nation was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.

The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded after a landmark accord.

Colombia's Firm Response

Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.

"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, whom many of the population admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to Statesman

The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he said.

Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's security detail was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions

Washington withdrew Petro’s visa following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and various key allies.

Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.