Colombia's President Says 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Once More' if American Forces Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.

Growing Tensions and Allegations

Speaking to the press over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous use of force against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."

While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Alliance

This nation for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.

Its drug trade is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised following a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Firm Answer

Upon being questioned if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.

"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he posted online.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," Petro warned.

From Guerrilla to President

Petro spent a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition

The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have condemned the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Strains

American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he called on US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and various close collaborators.

At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.