Colombian President Says 'I Will Return to Arms Once More' should American Forces Launches an Attack.

President Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the volume in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally after US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.

Escalating Threats and Claims

Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened similar military action against Colombia, stating the nation is “very sick too” and led by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and distributing it to the US."

While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally connected to the trade.

A Frayed Relationship

This nation has long been a key ally of the United States in the campaign against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump was elected.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.

The President's Strong Rebuttal

In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was a possibility against his country, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the last century, rejected the accusations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will turn into thousands of guerrillas across the countryside. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will provoke the powerful force of the populace," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

The president dedicated a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate that he never engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.

"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I will take up arms again," he vowed.

Increased Security and Widespread Condemnation

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

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Sanctions

American authorities revoked the president's entry visa after he urged American soldiers to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and a number of associates.

Concurrently while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.