Colombia's President Warns 'I Shall Return to Arms Once More' should United States Launches an Attack.

The US President and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He runs cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.

Rising Tensions and Accusations

Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by a sick man who enjoys creating cocaine and distributing it to the US."

While Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Relationship

The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, however, the relationship have soured markedly since Trump came to office.

The nation's illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions such as one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom demobilised after a historic peace agreement.

Petro's Firm Answer

Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable 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 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.

From Guerrilla to President

Petro spent some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.

"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.

Increased Security along with Broad Rejection

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

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the notion of an invasion on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Strains

American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa following he encouraged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several close collaborators.

Concurrently as the US increased its forces near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US also carried out strikes against vessels in Pacific waters near Colombia.