Colombian Leader Warns 'I Will Return to Arms Again' if United States Invades.

President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, further raising strains bilaterally following American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has narcotics facilities and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.

Rising Threats coupled with Allegations

Addressing journalists over the weekend, Trump suggested analogous military action towards the South American nation, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to the US."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly involved in the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Partnership

Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly after Trump was elected.

The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.

Colombia's Firm Answer

In response to a query whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.

"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, whom a large part of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," he admonished.

From Fighter to Leader

Petro spent some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.

"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition

Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the threats of American military action on Colombia.

Political and Financial Pressure

The US withdrew his travel authorization following he urged US military personnel to ignore orders that violate law. In October, the US enacted financial sanctions on Petro, his spouse and a number of key allies.

Simultaneously the US was building up its troop levels in the region and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.