Colombian Leader Declares 'I Will Resort to Weapons Again' if US Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume of their exchange, increasing tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.

Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting the nation faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to America."

Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.

A Frayed Relationship

Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.

The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Strong Response

When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.

"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.

"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to Leader

The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.

"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up the fight," he said.

Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures from across the ideological divide have rejected the notion of American military action on Colombia.

Political and Financial Pressure

Washington cancelled Petro’s visa after he encouraged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his wife and various close collaborators.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.