Colombian President Warns 'I Would Return to Arms Once More' should US Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump and Colombia's president have escalated the tone of their exchange, increasing strains bilaterally following American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump added.

Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims

Addressing reporters over the weekend, the US president suggested comparable use of force against Bogotá, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a sick man involved in producing the drug and trafficking it to the United States."

While Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the trade.

A Frayed Alliance

Colombia for decades served as a close partner of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have worsened markedly following Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations such as one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters laid down arms subsequent to a 2016 peace deal.

Petro's Strong Rebuttal

In response to a query if armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was a possibility regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who left armed struggle in the last century, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.

"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted online.

"If US bombs target peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents in the mountains. And if they detain the nation's leader, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will release the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Fighter to Leader

The president dedicated some years as a young man as a member with the radical M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He served as mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.

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

Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition

The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's personal security had received additional support.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders spanning the ideological divide have rejected the notion of an invasion against their nation.

Bilateral and Economic Strains

The US revoked the president's entry visa after he urged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. Later, in October, the US enacted economic restrictions on Petro, the first lady and several associates.

Simultaneously the US was building up its forces near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.