Colombian Leader Warns 'I Will Return to Arms Again' if US Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs cocaine mills and production sites and his time is running out," Trump remarked.

Rising Rhetoric and Accusations

Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened comparable use of force against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who enjoys creating the drug and trafficking it to the US."

Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the trade.

A Strained Alliance

The country for decades served as a key ally of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and received bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have worsened significantly after Trump came to office.

The nation's drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.

Colombia's Strong Response

In response to a query if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good from my perspective."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he stated.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he wrote in a message.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain me, whom many of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to President

The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member in the left-wing M-19 armed organization though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I pledged to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he said.

Reinforced Protection along with Cross-Political Rejection

Colombia's defense chief stated that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have denounced the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Political and Financial Strains

Washington withdrew Petro’s visa following he called on US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.

Concurrently while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations against vessels in the eastern Pacific region off the Colombian coast.