Colombian President Says 'I Would Resort to Weapons Again' should United States Invades.

Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.

Rising Tensions and Claims

Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the United States."

Although Colombia is the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally involved in the business.

A Frayed Relationship

This nation has long been a close partner of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and received wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.

Its drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a historic peace agreement.

Petro's Firm Response

When asked if military intervention similar to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

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

"If US bombs target peasants, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which many of the population admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.

From Insurgent to President

He passed some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating a new constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.

"I swore to abstain from using arms again ... but for the homeland I would take up the fight," he vowed.

Heightened Measures and Broad Rejection

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s security detail was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from across Colombian politics have rejected the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Sanctions

Washington revoked his travel authorization after he called on US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and several close collaborators.

Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.