Colombian Leader Says 'I Will Return to Arms Again' if American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have intensified the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains bilaterally following American military units targeted Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He has drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Growing Tensions coupled with Accusations

Speaking to the press over the weekend, the American leader hinted at analogous military action against Bogotá, asserting the nation faces serious problems and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and distributing it to America."

Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the illicit industry.

A Frayed Alliance

This nation for decades served as a key ally of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and received cross-party backing in Washington, yet ties have soured significantly since Trump assumed the presidency.

Its drug trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded following a landmark accord.

The President's Strong Answer

When asked whether a military operation comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "It sounds good to me."

Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he posted in a post.

"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a significant portion of Colombians holds in high esteem, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to President

He passed a period in his early life as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing a new constitution in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He was 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 would take up arms again," he vowed.

Reinforced Protection and Broad Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief announced that Petro's protection team had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from across the political spectrum have denounced the notion of an invasion against their nation.

Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions

Washington withdrew his travel authorization after he urged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.

Concurrently the US was building up its military presence near Venezuela and striking vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted attacks against vessels in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.