Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Will Return to Arms Once More' if US Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations after American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.

Rising Tensions and Claims

Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar military action towards the South American nation, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the United States."

Although Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the trade.

A Deteriorating Relationship

This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have worsened dramatically after Trump came to office.

Its drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a historic peace agreement.

The President's Firm Rebuttal

Upon being questioned whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."

President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.

"Trump speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted online.

"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture me, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected president.

"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for Colombia I shall resume arms again," he vowed.

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's personal security was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from across the ideological divide have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.

Bilateral and Economic Sanctions

The US withdrew Petro’s visa after he called on US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and various associates.

Concurrently the US was building up its military presence in the Caribbean and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.