Colombian President Declares 'I Will Return to Arms Once More' if American Forces Intervenes Militarily.

President Trump and President Gustavo Petro have turned up the tone in their verbal conflict, further raising strains in their relations after American military units struck Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

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

Escalating Threats and Claims

Speaking to the press over the weekend, the US president hinted at similar armed intervention towards the South American nation, stating the country is also "very ill" and led by an unwell individual who likes making the drug and distributing it to the US."

Although Colombia remains the world’s largest source of the narcotic, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly tied to the illicit industry.

A Frayed Relationship

Colombia for decades served as a close partner of Washington in the struggle against narcotics trade and enjoyed wide political approval in Washington, yet ties have deteriorated markedly since Trump came to office.

Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups including one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), most of its former fighters disbanded after a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Defiant Rebuttal

When asked if a military operation similar to Venezuela was on the cards regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not a narco," he stated.

"He comments without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.

"Should American forces attack civilians, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And if they detain me, which a large part of Colombians admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.

From Fighter to Statesman

He passed a period in his early life belonging with the radical M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he was involved in drafting a new constitution in 1991 and later became a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of Bogotá before winning the nation's highest office.

"I made a vow not to touch a gun ... but for the homeland I would take up arms again," he vowed.

Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.

Several members of Colombia’s right wing opposition have expressed support with Trump's stance, but voices from across Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Pressure

Washington revoked Petro’s visa following he encouraged American soldiers to disobey unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted financial sanctions targeting Petro, the first lady and several associates.

At the same time as the US increased its troop levels in the Caribbean and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets also carried out attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.