Colombian Leader Says 'I Shall Return to Arms Once More' if United States Invades.

President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Growing Threats coupled with Claims

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the country faces serious problems and led by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and trafficking it to the US."

While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Alliance

This nation has long been a close partner of the US in the struggle combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured dramatically following Trump came to office.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency 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 Rebuttal

When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not a drug trafficker," he declared.

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

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain the president, which a large part of the population holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

He passed some years as a young man belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.

"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection

Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that the national leader's personal security had been reinforced.

Several members of Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the threats of a US attack on Colombia.

Bilateral and Financial Pressure

The US cancelled Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on American soldiers to ignore any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and various close collaborators.

Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.