Colombian President Warns 'I Will Return to Arms Once More' should US Invades.

The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Escalating Tensions and Allegations

Talking to journalists on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous military action against Colombia, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and governed by a sick man involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to America."

While Colombia is the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.

A Frayed Alliance

This nation for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated markedly after Trump came to office.

Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members laid down arms after a landmark accord.

Colombia's Firm Answer

When asked whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who demobilised in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he posted in a post.

"If they [the US] bomb peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. If they capture me, whom a large part of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

He passed some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election president.

"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up weapons once more," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.

Bilateral and Financial Pressure

Washington withdrew the president's entry visa following he called on US troops to disobey unlawful commands. In October, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various key allies.

Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the region and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out operations on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.