Colombia's Leader Warns 'I Would Resort to Weapons Once More' should United States Invades.

Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally after US forces attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.

Growing Threats coupled with Claims

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the United States."

While Colombia stands as the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the trade.

A Deteriorating Alliance

The country was historically a key ally of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated markedly since Trump came to office.

Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.

Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal

In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised decades ago, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he stated.

"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.

"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the people," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to Leader

Petro spent a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.

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

Increased Security and Widespread Rejection

Colombia's defense chief announced that the president’s protection team had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, but voices spanning the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of American military action on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Strains

Washington cancelled the president's entry visa subsequent to he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.

Simultaneously the US was building up its forces in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.