Colombia's President Declares 'I Shall Return to Arms Again' should US Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening strains in their relations after US forces targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.

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

Rising Threats coupled with Allegations

Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the country faces serious problems and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and selling it to the United States."

While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the trade.

A Frayed Alliance

This nation for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Defiant Response

In response to a query whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, firmly denied the accusations. "I am no illegitimate and I am not a narco," he declared.

"The US president speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed online.

"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

Petro spent part of his youth as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in creating a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.

"I made a vow not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.

Increased Security along with Widespread Rejection

The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s political right have sided with the US president, however, leaders from across the political spectrum have condemned the threats of an invasion against their nation.

Diplomatic and Financial Strains

The US cancelled his travel authorization after he urged US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and a number of key allies.

Concurrently while America bolstered its forces in the Caribbean and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.