Colombian Leader Says 'I Shall Resort to Weapons Once More' should American Forces Invades.

Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries following American military units attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.

Rising Rhetoric coupled with Allegations

Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, asserting the nation faces serious problems and “run by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to America."

Although Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally tied to the business.

A Deteriorating Relationship

Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have soured significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.

Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms following a landmark accord.

Colombia's Firm Answer

When asked if armed intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me personally."

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, categorically refuted the accusations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he stated.

"Trump speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which many of Colombians 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 as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.

"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition

The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's security detail had received additional support.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of an invasion against their nation.

Political and Economic Pressure

Washington revoked his travel authorization after he encouraged US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes on Petro, his wife and several key allies.

At the same time while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.