Colombian Leader Declares 'I Will Return to Arms Again' should United States Invades.

The US President along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the rhetoric of their exchange, increasing tensions between the two countries after US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," Trump added.

Escalating Threats and Accusations

Talking to reporters over the weekend, Trump threatened analogous use of force against Bogotá, stating the country is “very sick too” and led by a problematic figure involved in producing cocaine and selling it to the United States."

While Colombia remains the leading source of the narcotic, authorities have found no indication that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is personally tied to the illicit industry.

A Frayed Relationship

This nation has long been a close partner of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and enjoyed bipartisan support from American politicians, but relations have deteriorated significantly following Trump was elected.

Its narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, a large contingent of whom disbanded after a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Firm Response

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

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who demobilised in the 1990s, rejected these allegations. "I am neither illegitimate nor am I a narco," he stated.

"The US president speaks without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.

"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will turn into a multitude of fighters in the mountains. And should they arrest me, which many of Colombians admires and supports, they will provoke the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Fighter to President

He passed some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed he did not participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting a new constitution in the early 90s and eventually served as a respected lawmaker. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital prior to his election the presidency.

"I pledged to abstain from using a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he affirmed.

Increased Security and Broad Opposition

The Colombian defence minister reported that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump's stance, however, leaders from across the ideological divide have rejected the threats of an invasion on Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Strains

The US cancelled Petro’s visa following he called on US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, his wife and various close collaborators.

Simultaneously as the US increased its forces in the Caribbean and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed attacks on maritime targets in Pacific waters adjacent to Colombia.