Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Once More' should United States Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their war of words, further raising tensions between the two countries following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.

Rising Tensions coupled with Claims

Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump hinted at similar use of force against Colombia, asserting the nation faces serious problems and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to America."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the trade.

A Frayed Partnership

This nation for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated significantly following Trump came to office.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded after a landmark accord.

The President's Defiant Response

In response to a query whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."

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

"He comments uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to Statesman

He passed a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning president.

"I made a vow to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he affirmed.

Increased Security and Widespread Rejection

Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of American military action on Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Pressure

Washington revoked his travel authorization after he urged American soldiers to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his wife and a number of close collaborators.

Simultaneously as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.