Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Will Resort to Weapons Once More' if United States Intervenes Militarily.

The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Growing Rhetoric coupled with Accusations

Addressing journalists over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar military action against Colombia, stating Colombia faces serious problems and governed by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and selling it to America."

Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.

A Frayed Alliance

This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and received wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically since Trump came to office.

Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Firm Rebuttal

Upon being questioned if military intervention like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.

"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to President

The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.

"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he vowed.

Increased Security and Cross-Political Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from across the political spectrum have condemned the notion of an invasion on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions

The US withdrew his travel authorization after he encouraged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, it placed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several associates.

At the same time the US was building up its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.