Colombian President Warns 'I Shall Return to Arms Once More' if US Invades.

President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He operates narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Escalating Rhetoric and Claims

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, Trump hinted at comparable use of force against Colombia, stating the country is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man who likes making cocaine and distributing it to America."

Although Colombia is the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.

A Frayed Relationship

The country has long been a key ally of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and received cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have worsened significantly since Trump came to office.

Colombia’s drug trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a historic peace agreement.

Petro's Strong Answer

In response to a query whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me personally."

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and certainly not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed online.

"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to President

Petro spent part of his youth belonging in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he vowed.

Heightened Measures and Broad Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s security detail was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of American military action targeting Colombia.

Bilateral and Financial Sanctions

Washington revoked Petro’s visa following he called on US troops to refuse orders that violate law. Later, in October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, the first lady and several close collaborators.

Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations against vessels off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.