Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Once More' if United States Invades.

President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Rising Tensions and Allegations

Talking to the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable use of force against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the United States."

Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the illicit industry.

A Strained Partnership

This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened markedly since Trump came to office.

Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Defiant Rebuttal

When asked if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.

From Guerrilla to Leader

He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.

"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection and Broad Opposition

The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s personal security was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have rejected the threats of a US attack on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions

American authorities revoked the president's entry visa after he urged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.

At the same time as the US increased its forces in the region and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.