Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Shall Return to Arms Again' if United States Intervenes Militarily.

The US President along with Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He has narcotics facilities and cocaine factories and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Escalating Threats and Claims

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened comparable armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the country is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the US."

Although Colombia is the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the business.

A Strained Relationship

This nation for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, yet ties have worsened markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.

The nation's illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups like one major cartel, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members disbanded after a historic peace agreement.

Petro's Firm Rebuttal

When asked whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that to me."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed decades ago, rejected the accusations. "I am no illegitimate nor am I a drug trafficker," he affirmed.

"He comments uninformed. End the false accusations," he posted online.

"If they [the US] bomb rural communities, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. And if they detain the president, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.

From Fighter to Statesman

Petro spent part of his youth participating with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate to have ever took part in armed clashes. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in creating a new constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I made a vow to never again hold a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume arms again," he vowed.

Heightened Measures along with Widespread Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security had received additional support.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, yet figures from across the ideological divide have condemned the notion of an invasion against their nation.

Bilateral and Economic Pressure

Washington withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US troops to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, the first lady and a number of key allies.

Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on boats off the Pacific coast off the Colombian coast.