Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Would Return to Arms Again' if American Forces Invades.

President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, heightening strains bilaterally after American military units attacked Venezuela to remove Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and his time is running out," the US president stated.

Growing Threats and Allegations

Addressing reporters on Sunday, the American leader suggested analogous armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and governed by an unwell individual who likes making narcotics and selling it to the US."

Although Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly connected to the trade.

A Frayed Relationship

This nation has long been a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle against narcotics trade and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, however, the relationship have worsened significantly after Trump assumed the presidency.

Its illicit drug economy is largely controlled by illegal armed groups such as the Golf Clan, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters disbanded subsequent to a landmark accord.

The President's Firm Response

Upon being questioned whether a military operation like that in Venezuela was a possibility 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 1990s, categorically refuted these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"He comments uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.

"Should American forces attack peasants, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And if they detain the president, whom a large part of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the people," Petro warned.

From Guerrilla to Leader

The president dedicated some years as a young man belonging in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group although reports indicate he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he took part in writing the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the capital city before winning president.

"I swore to never again hold a gun ... but for Colombia I will take up arms again," he said.

Increased Security along with Widespread Opposition

Minister Pedro Sánchez stated that the president’s personal security had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have sided with Trump's stance, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of a US attack on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Economic Sanctions

American authorities revoked his travel authorization subsequent to he encouraged US troops to disobey any illegal orders. Later, in October, authorities imposed economic restrictions on Petro, his spouse and various close collaborators.

Simultaneously as the US increased its troop levels in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.