Colombian President Says 'I Shall Return to Arms Once More' should United States Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He operates narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.

Growing Tensions and Accusations

Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested comparable military action towards the South American nation, stating the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure who likes making narcotics and trafficking it to the United States."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.

A Strained Alliance

This nation was historically a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, but relations have worsened markedly since Trump was elected.

The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Firm Rebuttal

In response to a query whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to President

Petro spent a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.

"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I would take up the fight," he said.

Heightened Measures along with Widespread Condemnation

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's personal security had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have condemned the notion of American military action against their nation.

Diplomatic and Financial Strains

The US cancelled Petro’s visa after he urged US troops to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and several close collaborators.

At the same time while America bolstered its military presence near Venezuela and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.