Colombian President Declares 'I Will Resort to Weapons Again' should US Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He runs drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Rising Tensions coupled with Claims

Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened similar armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and led by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the US."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.

A Frayed Relationship

Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Strong Response

In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he declared.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.

From Fighter to President

Petro spent a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he said.

Increased Security along with Widespread Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Bilateral and Financial Strains

Washington withdrew his travel authorization following he encouraged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and several close collaborators.

At the same time as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.