Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Again' if United States Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He operates drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Escalating Rhetoric and Claims

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the United States."

While Colombia stands as the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.

A Strained Partnership

Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically following Trump was elected.

The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Strong Rebuttal

When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.

"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture me, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.

From Fighter to Leader

The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.

"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.

Heightened Measures and Widespread Opposition

Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.

Political and Financial Strains

Washington withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and several key allies.

Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.