Colombian Leader Says 'I Will Return to Arms Once More' should American Forces Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have turned up the volume in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations following American military units targeted Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He operates drug factories and processing labs and his time is running out," Trump added.

Escalating Tensions coupled with Claims

Speaking to journalists over the weekend, Trump hinted at analogous military action against Colombia, asserting Colombia is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to America."

While Colombia remains the world’s largest producer of cocaine, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the business.

A Strained Alliance

Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have soured markedly since Trump assumed the presidency.

Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by criminal organizations including one major cartel, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.

Petro's Defiant Answer

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

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no illegitimate and certainly not a narco," he stated.

"He comments without information. Stop slandering me," he posted in a message.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom a large part of the population loves and respects, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.

From Fighter to Leader

The president dedicated a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 insurgent movement although reports indicate he did not participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I pledged not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I will take up weapons once more," he vowed.

Reinforced Protection and Widespread Condemnation

Colombia's defense chief announced that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, yet figures from all sides of the ideological divide have condemned the notion of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Strains

The US cancelled the president's entry visa following he called on American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and various associates.

Simultaneously as the US increased its military presence in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US executed operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.