Colombian Leader Warns 'I Would Resort to Weapons Again' if American Forces Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Rising Tensions and Claims

Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president threatened similar use of force against Colombia, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the United States."

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

A Strained Partnership

Colombia for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, yet ties have soured significantly since Trump came to office.

Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms after a landmark accord.

Colombia's Firm Answer

Upon being questioned if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

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

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

The president dedicated a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in creating the nation's constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.

"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up weapons once more," he said.

Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the president’s protection team had been reinforced.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with the US president, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have condemned the threats of an invasion on Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Pressure

The US revoked the president's entry visa after he encouraged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and striking vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks on boats off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.