Colombia's President Declares 'I Will Return to Arms Again' should American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

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

Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at analogous military action towards the South American nation, stating the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and distributing it to America."

While Colombia remains the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the illicit industry.

A Frayed Partnership

Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have soured significantly following Trump was elected.

The nation's illicit drug economy 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 disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.

The President's Strong Answer

Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he stated.

"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the hills. If they capture me, whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to Statesman

He passed some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed to have ever took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.

"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection and Widespread Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s security detail had been reinforced.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Political and Financial Strains

The US revoked the president's entry visa after he encouraged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and several key allies.

At the same time as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast near Colombia.