Colombian President Says 'I Would Resort to Weapons Once More' should American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

The US President and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, heightening tensions bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.

Rising Rhetoric and Accusations

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump suggested similar armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the US."

Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the illicit industry.

A Strained Alliance

The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have worsened dramatically after Trump was elected.

The nation's drug trade is predominantly run by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms after a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Strong Response

In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," he admonished.

From Fighter to Statesman

Petro spent some years as a young man participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he vowed.

Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection

Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, but voices spanning the ideological divide have rejected the threats of American military action against their nation.

Diplomatic and Financial Pressure

American authorities cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. In October, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of associates.

Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.