Colombian President Warns 'I Would Return to Arms Once More' if American Forces Launches an Attack.

The US President and his Colombian counterpart have turned up the tone of their exchange, further raising tensions in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He operates drug factories and production sites and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Escalating Tensions coupled with Allegations

Speaking to journalists on Sunday, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and “run by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and distributing it to the United States."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the trade.

A Frayed Partnership

This nation was historically a key ally of Washington in the fight combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.

Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions like the Golf Clan, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Strong Answer

In response to a query if a military operation similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, a former leftist guerrilla who disarmed in the last century, rejected Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he declared.

"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a message.

"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become a multitude of fighters in the mountains. If they capture the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the people," the president cautioned.

From Guerrilla to President

Petro spent a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in 1991 and eventually served as an influential politician. He was mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.

"I swore to abstain from using a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection along with Widespread Rejection

Minister Pedro Sánchez announced that Petro's personal security had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump, but voices from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the possibility of an invasion against their nation.

Political and Economic Strains

American authorities revoked the president's entry visa after he called on US military personnel to refuse orders that violate law. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and several associates.

At the same time the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted attacks against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.