Colombia's Leader Warns 'I Will Return to Arms Once More' should United States Launches an Attack.

President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the rhetoric of their war of words, increasing strains between the two countries after US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs drug factories and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.

Growing Threats and Allegations

Speaking to the press on Sunday, the American leader threatened similar use of force towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who enjoys creating cocaine and trafficking it to America."

Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the business.

A Strained Alliance

The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have deteriorated markedly following Trump came to office.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members demobilised following a 2016 peace deal.

The President's Firm Rebuttal

Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied the accusations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.

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

"If US bombs target peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain me, which a large part of the population loves and respects, they will release the powerful force of the nation," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to President

He passed part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up arms again," he affirmed.

Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection

Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.

Political and Financial Sanctions

American authorities cancelled his travel authorization subsequent to he called on American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, his spouse and several key allies.

Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.