Colombia's Leader Warns 'I Will Resort to Weapons Once More' if United States Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.

Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations

Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened analogous use of force against Colombia, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and selling it to America."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.

A Frayed Alliance

The country was historically a close partner of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have soured markedly following Trump came to office.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.

Petro's Strong Rebuttal

When asked if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a narco," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Statesman

He passed some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election president.

"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he said.

Reinforced Protection along with Broad Condemnation

Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from across Colombian politics have condemned the threats of American military action against their nation.

Political and Economic Pressure

Washington cancelled the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.

Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.