Colombia's Leader Warns 'I Will Return to Arms Again' should US Launches an Attack.

President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.

Growing Tensions and Claims

Addressing journalists on Sunday, Trump suggested analogous armed intervention against Colombia, stating the country is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the US."

Although Colombia is the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.

A Frayed Partnership

This nation was historically a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.

Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Strong Answer

When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which many of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to President

Petro spent some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition

The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's security detail was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have rejected the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions

American authorities cancelled his travel authorization following he urged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of associates.

Concurrently the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.