Colombian Leader Declares 'I Would Return to Arms Again' should United States Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening strains between the two countries after American military units struck Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims

Talking to reporters on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar military action towards the South American nation, stating the country is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to America."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the business.

A Strained Relationship

This nation has long been a key ally of the US in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have soured markedly following Trump came to office.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Firm Rebuttal

Upon being questioned whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.

"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a post.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters in the hills. And should they arrest the president, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will release the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.

From Fighter to Statesman

He passed some years as a young man participating with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I shall resume the fight," he said.

Increased Security along with Cross-Political Opposition

Colombia's defense chief reported that Petro's security detail had received additional support.

Several members of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from across Colombian politics have rejected the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Strains

Washington withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged American soldiers to disobey orders that violate law. Months later, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and several key allies.

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