Colombian President Says 'I Will Resort to Weapons Again' should US Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

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

Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the country faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the US."

Although Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.

A Deteriorating Partnership

Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.

Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.

The President's Strong Rebuttal

Upon being questioned whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed online.

"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain me, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to Statesman

The president dedicated part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in writing a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.

"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.

Increased Security and Broad Rejection

The Colombian defence minister stated that Petro's protection team had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Sanctions

American authorities revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and various associates.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.