Colombian President Declares 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Once More' should United States Launches an Attack.

The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Escalating Threats coupled with Claims

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention against Colombia, stating the country faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the United States."

Although Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.

A Strained Relationship

This nation has long been a key ally of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically since Trump assumed the presidency.

The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.

The President's Firm Rebuttal

When asked whether armed intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."

Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he declared.

"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.

From Guerrilla to Leader

The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the nation's highest office.

"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he said.

Increased Security along with Broad Rejection

Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s protection team was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Strains

Washington revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various associates.

Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the region and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.