Colombia's President Says 'I Would Resort to Weapons Once More' should United States Invades.

The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.

Escalating Tensions and Claims

Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous armed intervention against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to America."

Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the illicit industry.

A Frayed Partnership

Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Firm Answer

Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Fighter to President

Petro spent a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.

"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he vowed.

Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection

The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.

Bilateral and Financial Strains

American authorities revoked his travel authorization after he urged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and several associates.

Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.