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

President Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from his position.

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

Growing Tensions and Accusations

Addressing the press on Sunday, the American leader suggested similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who likes making the drug and distributing it to the US."

While Colombia remains the globe's biggest producer of cocaine, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way tied to the business.

A Strained Alliance

This nation was historically a close partner of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have soured markedly since Trump came to office.

Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a landmark accord.

The President's Defiant Answer

Upon being questioned if military intervention like that in Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "It sounds good to me."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents in the hills. And if they detain the president, whom a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the nation," Petro warned.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

Petro spent part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate to have ever participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in drafting a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.

"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up the fight," he vowed.

Heightened Measures along with Cross-Political Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister stated that the national leader's security detail had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s political right have allied themselves with Trump, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the possibility of a US attack against their nation.

Bilateral and Financial Pressure

Washington cancelled the president's entry visa after he called on American soldiers to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, it placed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and several associates.

At the same time the US was building up its forces in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on boats in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.