Colombia's President Warns 'I Shall Return to Arms Again' if United States Invades.

The US President along with Colombia's president have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, further raising strains between the two countries following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Escalating Tensions and Claims

Addressing journalists on Sunday, the American leader hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, asserting the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to America."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.

A Deteriorating Relationship

Colombia was historically a key ally of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated markedly since Trump came to office.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised after a historic peace agreement.

Petro's Strong Rebuttal

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

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and I am not a drug trafficker," he stated.

"He comments without knowledge. End the false accusations," he expressed in a post.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain me, which many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," Petro warned.

From Fighter to President

The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate that he never took part in armed clashes. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and later became a respected lawmaker. He was mayor of the capital city before winning the presidency.

"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.

Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection

The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's protection team had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders spanning the political spectrum have denounced the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Strains

The US withdrew his travel authorization following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, his wife and several associates.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out strikes on boats in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.