Colombia's President Warns 'I Would Return to Arms Again' if US Invades.

Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.

Growing Rhetoric coupled with Accusations

Talking to the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened comparable armed intervention towards the South American nation, asserting the country is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the United States."

While Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way tied to the illicit industry.

A Frayed Partnership

This nation for decades served as a close partner of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly since Trump was elected.

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), a large contingent of whom demobilised subsequent to a landmark accord.

Colombia's Strong Response

In response to a query whether a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the hills. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.

From Fighter to Statesman

He passed a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a prominent senator. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.

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

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Rejection

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

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from across Colombian politics have rejected the notion of a US attack against their nation.

Political and Financial Strains

The US revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and various associates.

Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.