Colombia's Leader Says 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Again' if American Forces Invades.

Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their exchange, increasing tensions bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.

Growing Threats coupled with Claims

Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader hinted at comparable military action towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to America."

While Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the illicit industry.

A Frayed Partnership

This nation for decades served as a key ally of the US in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have worsened dramatically after Trump was elected.

Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Defiant Answer

In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.

"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, which many of the population holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.

From Fighter to President

The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in creating a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I made a vow not to touch a weapon again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he said.

Heightened Measures along with Broad Rejection

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

Many among Colombia’s political right have expressed support with Trump, yet figures spanning Colombian politics have condemned the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.

Political and Financial Sanctions

Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he urged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, his wife and various close collaborators.

Concurrently the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.