Colombian President Says 'I Would Resort to Weapons Once More' should American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

The US President and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.

Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar use of force against Colombia, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the US."

While Colombia is the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.

A Frayed Alliance

This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.

Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal

In response to a query if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.

"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed online.

"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture me, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to Statesman

Petro spent part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.

"I made a vow to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.

Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation

Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s protection team had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the threats of an invasion against their nation.

Diplomatic and Financial Pressure

The US withdrew the president's entry visa after he urged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and several close collaborators.

At the same time while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.