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

The US President and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He operates drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.

Rising Rhetoric coupled with Allegations

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous use of force towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and selling it to America."

Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the illicit industry.

A Frayed Partnership

Colombia for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened significantly since Trump was elected.

Its drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Defiant Rebuttal

Upon being questioned if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.

"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote online.

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Leader

Petro spent some years as a young man as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he affirmed.

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition

The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.

Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have rejected the threats of an invasion against their nation.

Bilateral and Economic Sanctions

American authorities revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to ignore any illegal orders. In October, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.

At the same time as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.