Colombia's President Says 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Once More' should United States Invades.

President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.

Rising Tensions and Accusations

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar armed intervention against Colombia, stating the country is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the US."

Although Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.

A Strained Alliance

Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in Washington, but relations have soured markedly after Trump came to office.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.

Colombia's Defiant Response

When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he declared.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a post.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Leader

He passed a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.

"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.

Heightened Measures along with Broad Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the political spectrum have condemned the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Pressure

Washington withdrew the president's entry visa following he encouraged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.

At the same time while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.