Colombian President Says 'I Would Resort to Weapons Again' if American Forces Launches an Attack.

President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.

Growing Tensions and Allegations

Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to the US."

While Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the illicit industry.

A Strained Relationship

Colombia was historically a key ally of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, but relations have worsened markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.

Petro's Firm Response

Upon being questioned whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.

"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he posted in a message.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Fighter to President

He passed a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.

"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he said.

Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Opposition

The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of American military action on Colombia.

Political and Financial Sanctions

American authorities revoked Petro’s visa following he encouraged American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, his wife and a number of associates.

At the same time while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.