Colombian President Warns 'I Will Resort to Weapons Once More' if United States Invades.

President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their exchange, increasing strains between the two countries following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.

Escalating Tensions and Claims

Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader hinted at comparable use of force against Colombia, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."

Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the trade.

A Frayed Relationship

This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated significantly after Trump came to office.

Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.

The President's Firm Answer

In response to a query whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture me, which many of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

Petro spent part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.

"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he vowed.

Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation

Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's protection team had been reinforced.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.

Political and Economic Sanctions

The US cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his wife and a number of key allies.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.