Colombian Leader Says 'I Will Resort to Weapons Again' should US Launches an Attack.

The US President and Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.

Growing Tensions and Accusations

Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader suggested comparable use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the country faces serious problems and led by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and trafficking it to the United States."

While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Relationship

Colombia was historically a key ally of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have worsened markedly after Trump was elected.

Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.

The President's Strong Answer

When asked whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he stated.

"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.

From Insurgent to President

Petro spent part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.

"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he vowed.

Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation

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

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the threats of American military action against their nation.

Diplomatic and Financial Strains

The US revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and various key allies.

At the same time as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.