Colombian President Declares 'I Would Resort to Weapons Again' if American Forces Invades.

President Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their war of words, further raising strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Rising Threats and Accusations

Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Colombia, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the US."

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

A Deteriorating Relationship

Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened dramatically after Trump was elected.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Firm Rebuttal

When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.

"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture me, whom many of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.

From Fighter to Leader

He passed part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.

"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up arms again," he said.

Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection

Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s personal security had received additional support.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Pressure

Washington withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and several key allies.

Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.