Colombian President Warns 'I Shall Return to Arms Once More' if American Forces Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the volume of their war of words, further raising strains between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Escalating Rhetoric and Claims

Speaking to the press on Sunday, the US president suggested similar use of force towards the South American nation, stating Colombia faces serious problems and “run by a sick man who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the United States."

Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.

A Frayed Partnership

Colombia has long been a key ally of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, but relations have soured significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.

Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded subsequent to a historic peace agreement.

The President's Firm Response

In response to a query whether military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and I am not a narco," he stated.

"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will turn into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.

From Insurgent to Leader

Petro spent part of his youth participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement though it is believed that he never engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before winning president.

"I swore not to touch a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection and Widespread Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s political right have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures spanning the political spectrum have denounced the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Pressure

The US withdrew his travel authorization following he urged US troops to disobey orders that violate law. In October, authorities imposed financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and various key allies.

Concurrently as the US increased its military presence near Venezuela and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on maritime targets off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.