Colombian Leader Declares 'I Would Return to Arms Again' should United States Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, further raising strains bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

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

Rising Rhetoric coupled with Accusations

Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the American leader threatened similar military action against Bogotá, asserting the nation faces serious problems and governed by a sick man involved in producing cocaine and distributing it to the United States."

While Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the business.

A Strained Relationship

Colombia has long been a close partner of Washington in the campaign against drug trafficking and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated significantly following Trump came to office.

Colombia’s drug trade is mainly overseen by criminal organizations including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded following a 2016 peace deal.

Petro's Strong Response

When asked if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me."

President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.

"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, whom a large part of the population loves and respects, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Fighter to President

He passed a period in his early life belonging of the leftist M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed he did not took part in armed clashes. Following his disarmament, he took part in creating the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.

"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he vowed.

Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition

Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s personal security had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have condemned the threats of an invasion against their nation.

Diplomatic and Financial Strains

The US withdrew Petro’s visa following he called on American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. In October, it placed financial sanctions against the president, the first lady and several associates.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its forces near Venezuela and targeting suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes against vessels off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.