Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Would Return to Arms Once More' should United States Invades.

The US President and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric of their exchange, heightening strains bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," Trump added.

Growing Threats coupled with Allegations

Addressing the press over the weekend, the American leader threatened comparable armed intervention against Colombia, asserting the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the US."

While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.

A Deteriorating Relationship

The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support in the US capital, yet ties have worsened dramatically after Trump came to office.

Its illicit drug economy is predominantly run by illegal armed groups including the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Strong Answer

In response to a query if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered for Colombia, Trump said: "It sounds good to me personally."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed in the last century, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.

"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of the country holds in high esteem, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the populace," he admonished.

From Insurgent to President

He passed some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.

"I swore to never again hold a weapon again ... but for Colombia I will take up the fight," he said.

Increased Security and Cross-Political Rejection

Colombia's defense chief stated that the president’s security detail had received additional support.

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures from across the ideological divide have condemned the threats of American military action targeting Colombia.

Political and Economic Pressure

American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa following he encouraged American soldiers to refuse any illegal orders. Months later, it placed economic restrictions on Petro, his wife and various key allies.

At the same time as the US increased its military presence in the region and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed attacks against vessels in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.