Colombian President Declares 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Again' should United States Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, further raising strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump remarked.

Escalating Rhetoric and Accusations

Speaking to journalists over the weekend, the US president threatened comparable use of force against Bogotá, stating Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and trafficking it to the United States."

Although Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.

A Deteriorating Alliance

The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded after a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Defiant Response

When asked whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.

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

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

The president dedicated a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning president.

"I swore not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he affirmed.

Increased Security and Cross-Political Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister reported that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have rejected the notion of an invasion against their nation.

Bilateral and Financial Pressure

Washington withdrew the president's entry visa after he encouraged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and various associates.

Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.