Colombian President Warns 'I Would Resort to Weapons Again' should United States Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.

Rising Tensions and Allegations

Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation faces serious problems and led by a sick man who likes making the drug and distributing it to the United States."

Although Colombia is the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.

A Frayed Partnership

Colombia for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have soured significantly since Trump came to office.

The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.

Petro's Firm Answer

When asked if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.

From Guerrilla to Leader

The president dedicated part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.

"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.

Increased Security and Broad Rejection

Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the threats of an invasion on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions

The US revoked the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.

Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.