Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Will Return to Arms Again' should US Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have turned up the rhetoric of their war of words, heightening tensions in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He operates narcotics facilities and processing labs and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Growing Tensions coupled with Claims

Speaking to the press on Sunday, Trump suggested similar use of force against Bogotá, claiming Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a sick man involved in producing the drug and distributing it to the United States."

Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.

A Deteriorating Partnership

Colombia has long been a key ally of the US in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.

The President's Firm Response

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

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, which a large part of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to Leader

Petro spent part of his youth belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he vowed.

Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Opposition

The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of American military action against their nation.

Diplomatic and Financial Pressure

The US withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US military personnel to refuse any illegal orders. In October, authorities imposed asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.

At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted operations on maritime targets off the Pacific coast adjacent to Colombia.