Colombian President Says 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Again' if US Intervenes Militarily.

The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their exchange, further raising strains bilaterally following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

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

Rising Tensions coupled with Accusations

Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and selling it to America."

While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the business.

A Deteriorating Relationship

This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have soured markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.

The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a landmark accord.

Colombia's Strong Response

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

President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.

From Fighter to Leader

Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.

"I pledged to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he said.

Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection

Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.

Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, but voices from across Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of a US attack against their nation.

Diplomatic and Financial Strains

American authorities withdrew his travel authorization following he urged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, it placed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several associates.

Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.