Colombian Leader Warns 'I Will Return to Arms Again' should United States Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their war of words, further raising tensions bilaterally after US forces targeted Venezuela to remove President Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He runs cocaine mills and processing labs and that won't last much longer," Trump added.

Rising Rhetoric coupled with Claims

Speaking to reporters on Sunday, Trump threatened analogous armed intervention towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure involved in producing the drug and selling it to the US."

While Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally connected to the business.

A Frayed Relationship

Colombia was historically a close partner of the United States in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from cross-party backing in the US capital, yet ties have deteriorated markedly following Trump was elected.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised after a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Firm Answer

In response to a query if military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea to me."

Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am not illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.

"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.

"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the nation's leader, which many of the country loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," he admonished.

From Fighter to Leader

The president dedicated part of his youth as a member with the radical M-19 armed organization although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before winning the presidency.

"I pledged to never again hold a weapon again ... but for the homeland I shall resume the fight," he affirmed.

Heightened Measures and Widespread Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief stated that Petro's personal security was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have rejected the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.

Bilateral and Financial Pressure

The US cancelled his travel authorization following he urged US military personnel to disobey any illegal orders. In October, it placed asset freezes against the president, his spouse and several key allies.

At the same time as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing vessels thought to carry drugs against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.