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

The US President and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.

Escalating Rhetoric coupled with Claims

Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened similar military action towards the South American nation, stating Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who enjoys creating narcotics and selling it to the United States."

While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the business.

A Deteriorating Relationship

Colombia has long been a key ally of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised after a landmark accord.

Colombia's Strong Rebuttal

Upon being questioned if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without information. End the false accusations," he wrote online.

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to President

Petro spent some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I swore not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he vowed.

Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Political and Financial Pressure

Washington revoked his travel authorization after he called on American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted asset freezes targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.

At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.