Colombian Leader Warns 'I Will Resort to Weapons Once More' should US Invades.

President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Escalating Threats and Allegations

Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."

Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the trade.

A Frayed Partnership

The country has long been a close partner of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, but relations have soured dramatically after Trump was elected.

Its narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.

Colombia's Firm Response

When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."

Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote in a post.

"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to Leader

Petro spent some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.

"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection

Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.

Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the notion of an invasion on Colombia.

Political and Economic Strains

American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa after he called on US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and a number of associates.

Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.