Colombian President Says 'I Would Resort to Weapons Again' if American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Rising Rhetoric coupled with Accusations

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar use of force towards the South American nation, stating the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the US."

Although Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.

A Deteriorating Partnership

This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and received wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.

Petro's Strong Response

When asked if a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, which many of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.

From Fighter to Leader

The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.

"I pledged not to touch arms again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he affirmed.

Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition

The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have denounced the notion of an invasion against their nation.

Bilateral and Economic Strains

The US withdrew the president's entry visa following he urged US military personnel to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and a number of associates.

At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.