Colombia's Leader Warns 'I Shall Return to Arms Once More' if American Forces Launches an Attack.

President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the volume of their exchange, heightening strains bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.

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

Growing Rhetoric coupled with Accusations

Addressing the press over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and “run by an unwell individual involved in producing narcotics and selling it to the United States."

Although Colombia stands as the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly tied to the business.

A Strained Relationship

Colombia has long been a close partner of the United States in the campaign against narcotics trade and benefited from bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is predominantly run by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members disbanded after a landmark accord.

Petro's Strong Response

When asked whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks uninformed. End the false accusations," he expressed online.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, whom a large part of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.

From Insurgent to Statesman

He passed part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. Following his disarmament, he was involved in creating a new constitution over three decades ago subsequently becoming a prominent senator. He was mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the nation's highest office.

"I swore to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.

Heightened Measures along with Broad Rejection

The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s personal security was strengthened.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump, but voices from all sides of the ideological divide have rejected the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions

Washington cancelled the president's entry visa after he called on US military personnel to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his wife and various associates.

Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed attacks on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.