Colombian President Warns 'I Will Resort to Weapons Once More' should US Invades.

President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume of their war of words, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Escalating Threats coupled with Accusations

Talking to journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, claiming the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the US."

Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Alliance

This nation has long been a key ally of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump was elected.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded after a landmark accord.

The President's Defiant Answer

When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.

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

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain me, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," the president cautioned.

From Fighter to Statesman

Petro spent part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.

"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.

Increased Security and Broad Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's protection team was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Political and Economic Strains

Washington revoked his travel authorization after he urged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various associates.

At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.