Colombia's President Warns 'I Will Resort to Weapons Again' should American Forces Invades.

Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their exchange, heightening strains bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Growing Threats and Allegations

Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president threatened comparable military action towards the South American nation, stating the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the US."

Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the business.

A Frayed Partnership

This nation was historically a close partner of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically since Trump was elected.

Its drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.

The President's Strong Answer

When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.

"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he wrote online.

"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Fighter to President

The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.

"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition

Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have condemned the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Strains

Washington withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and several associates.

At the same time as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.