Colombian Leader Declares 'I Will Resort to Weapons Again' should American Forces Launches an Attack.

The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.

Rising Tensions and Allegations

Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and distributing it to America."

While Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the trade.

A Deteriorating Alliance

The country for decades served as a key ally of the US in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have soured significantly after Trump was elected.

The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.

Petro's Firm Response

Upon being questioned if military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he declared.

"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. And should they arrest the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.

From Fighter to Leader

He passed part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up arms again," he affirmed.

Increased Security and Broad Rejection

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

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices spanning the political spectrum have rejected the notion of an invasion on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions

Washington withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he urged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions against the president, his wife and a number of key allies.

Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the region and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.