Colombia's President Declares 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Once More' should American Forces Invades.

The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Escalating Tensions and Claims

Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and led by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the United States."

Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.

A Strained Partnership

Colombia for decades served as a key ally of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.

Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.

Petro's Defiant Response

When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a narco," he affirmed.

"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.

From Guerrilla to President

Petro spent some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.

"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he vowed.

Heightened Measures and Widespread Condemnation

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's protection team had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump, yet figures from across the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Political and Economic Strains

Washington withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various associates.

At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the region and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.