Colombian Leader Warns 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Again' should American Forces Launches an Attack.

President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He runs drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.

Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims

Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president suggested similar armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and governed by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and distributing it to the United States."

While Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.

A Frayed Alliance

The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have soured markedly after Trump was elected.

Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Strong Answer

Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.

"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote online.

"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture me, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Statesman

The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he said.

Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition

Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions

American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he called on American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and several associates.

Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.