Colombian President Says 'I Would Resort to Weapons Once More' if US Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the volume of their war of words, heightening strains between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Growing Threats and Claims

Talking to the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at comparable military action against Colombia, claiming the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and selling it to the US."

While Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the business.

A Strained Alliance

This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.

The President's Firm Response

Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.

"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote online.

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.

From Fighter to Leader

Petro spent some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before being elected president.

"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.

Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Rejection

Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s security detail was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.

Diplomatic and Economic Strains

The US withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions on Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.

At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.