Colombian Leader Says 'I Will Return to Arms Again' if American Forces Invades.

The US President along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He operates drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.

Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations

Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous use of force against Bogotá, stating the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and selling it to America."

Although Colombia remains the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.

A Strained Partnership

Colombia was historically a close partner of Washington in the campaign against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support from American politicians, however, the relationship have deteriorated significantly following Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised following a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Defiant Answer

Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.

"The US president speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.

"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the president, whom a large part of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.

From Fighter to President

The president dedicated a period in his early life participating of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of Bogotá before winning president.

"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume weapons once more," he said.

Reinforced Protection and Broad Rejection

Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.

Several members of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.

Bilateral and Economic Pressure

American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. In October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and various key allies.

At the same time as the US increased its forces in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.