Colombian Leader Declares 'I Would Resort to Weapons Once More' should US Invades.

Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Rising Tensions coupled with Allegations

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming the nation faces serious problems and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing the drug and selling it to America."

While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the trade.

A Strained Partnership

The country has long been a key ally of the United States in the fight against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.

The President's Defiant Rebuttal

When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."

President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.

"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a post.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to President

Petro spent a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected president.

"I pledged not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's security detail had been reinforced.

A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.

Bilateral and Financial Strains

The US revoked the president's entry visa following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions against the president, his wife and a number of close collaborators.

Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on boats in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.