Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Would Return to Arms Once More' should US Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have escalated the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions in their relations following US forces targeted Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from office.

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

Growing Tensions and Claims

Addressing the press on Sunday, Trump suggested similar armed intervention against Bogotá, stating the nation is “very sick too” and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to the US."

Although Colombia stands as the leading cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way connected to the trade.

A Strained Alliance

Colombia has long been a key ally of the US in the fight combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, however, the relationship have worsened markedly after Trump was elected.

Colombia’s narcotics trade is largely controlled by guerrilla factions including the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members laid down arms subsequent to a landmark accord.

The President's Defiant Answer

When asked whether armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

President Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not a narco," he declared.

"He comments without knowledge. Stop slandering me," he expressed in a message.

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into numerous insurgents across the countryside. And should they arrest the president, which a significant portion of Colombians loves and respects, they will provoke the fierce spirit of the populace," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to Statesman

He passed part of his youth belonging of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed that he never participated in combat. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and eventually served as an influential politician. He served as mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.

"I swore not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I will take up weapons once more," he said.

Reinforced Protection and Cross-Political Opposition

Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s personal security had been reinforced.

Many among Colombia’s right wing opposition have allied themselves with Trump, yet figures from across Colombian politics have rejected the notion of American military action targeting Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Strains

American authorities withdrew Petro’s visa after he urged American soldiers to ignore unlawful commands. In October, it placed asset freezes on Petro, the first lady and several key allies.

At the same time the US was building up its troop levels near Venezuela and bombing suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on boats in Pacific waters near Colombia.