Colombia's President Declares 'I Will Resort to Weapons Once More' if United States Intervenes Militarily.

The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He has cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.

Rising Rhetoric coupled with Accusations

Addressing reporters on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting the country is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the US."

Although Colombia stands as the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the business.

A Strained Alliance

This nation has long been a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated markedly since Trump came to office.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Strong Response

Upon being questioned whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, which many of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.

From Fighter to Leader

Petro spent part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election president.

"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he affirmed.

Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's personal security had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack against their nation.

Political and Economic Pressure

American authorities cancelled the president's entry visa after he encouraged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his spouse and various key allies.

Concurrently the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.