Colombian President Declares 'I Shall Return to Arms Once More' should United States Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone of their exchange, heightening strains between the two countries following US forces attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He operates cocaine mills and cocaine factories and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.

Growing Rhetoric coupled with Claims

Speaking to reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable use of force against Colombia, claiming the country is “very sick too” and led by a sick man involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the US."

While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is personally involved in the trade.

A Strained Alliance

The country was historically a key ally of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in Washington, yet ties have soured significantly after Trump was elected.

The nation's drug trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters disbanded following a landmark accord.

Petro's Strong Rebuttal

Upon being questioned if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me personally."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted in a message.

"If they [the US] bomb civilians, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest me, which a significant portion of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Fighter to Statesman

He passed a period in his early life participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he participated in creating the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and eventually served as a prominent senator. He was mayor of the capital city before being elected the presidency.

"I swore not to touch arms again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he said.

Reinforced Protection along with Broad Opposition

The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have rejected the threats of a US attack against their nation.

Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions

American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and a number of key allies.

At the same time as the US increased its forces in the region and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out operations against vessels off the Pacific coast near Colombia.