Colombia's President Says 'I Will Resort to Weapons Again' if US Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising tensions in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.

Growing Threats and Allegations

Addressing reporters over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar military action against Colombia, asserting the country is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the United States."

Although Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the business.

A Frayed Partnership

The country was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.

Colombia’s drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.

Colombia's Strong Answer

Upon being questioned whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."

Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.

"The US president speaks without information. End the false accusations," he expressed in a message.

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which many of the population loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.

From Fighter to Leader

The president dedicated part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in writing the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.

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

Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, but voices spanning the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack on Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Strains

American authorities cancelled his travel authorization following he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and a number of key allies.

Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted attacks on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.