Colombia's President Declares 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Again' should United States Invades.

The US President and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations after US forces struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.

Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president threatened similar use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to America."

While Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the illicit industry.

A Frayed Relationship

This nation has long been a key ally of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have worsened dramatically since Trump was elected.

The nation's narcotics trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Strong Response

Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he stated.

"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a large part of the country admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to President

The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he said.

Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection

Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the threats of a US attack targeting Colombia.

Political and Financial Strains

American authorities cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and various key allies.

Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.