Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Will Resort to Weapons Again' if United States Launches an Attack.

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

"He has cocaine mills and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.

Escalating Tensions and Allegations

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who likes making narcotics and distributing it to America."

Although Colombia stands as 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 illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Partnership

The country was historically a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.

Colombia's Strong Answer

In response to a query whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."

Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, which many of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to President

Petro spent a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in writing a new constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.

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

Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, but voices spanning Colombian politics have condemned the notion of an invasion on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions

American authorities revoked the president's entry visa after he encouraged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. In October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.

Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.