Colombia's Leader Declares 'I Shall Take Up Arms Again' if American Forces Launches an Attack.

President Trump and his Colombian counterpart have escalated the tone of their exchange, further raising strains in their relations after American military units attacked Venezuela in an operation to oust Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro from power.

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

Escalating Tensions and Allegations

Talking to journalists on Sunday, Trump suggested similar military action against Colombia, stating the nation is also "very ill" and governed by a problematic figure involved in producing narcotics and distributing it to the United States."

Although Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is directly involved in the trade.

A Frayed Alliance

The country was historically a staunch collaborator of the US in the campaign combating drug cartels and benefited from wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have deteriorated dramatically following Trump came to office.

Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by criminal organizations such as the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the demobilized Farc, the majority of whose members demobilised after a 2016 peace deal.

Colombia's Defiant Answer

Upon being questioned whether military intervention similar to Venezuela was on the cards for Colombia, Trump responded: "That seems like a good idea to me."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who disarmed in the last century, firmly denied these allegations. "I am no an illegitimate leader and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks without information. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a post.

"If US bombs target peasants, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, which many of the country loves and respects, they will release the fierce spirit of the people," Petro warned.

From Fighter to President

Petro spent some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in drafting the nation's constitution in the early 90s subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the nation's highest office.

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

Heightened Measures and Broad Opposition

Colombia's defense chief reported that the national leader's security detail had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s political right have expressed support with the US president, yet figures from across the ideological divide have rejected the possibility of an invasion on Colombia.

Political and Financial Pressure

American authorities withdrew the president's entry visa subsequent to he encouraged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, authorities imposed economic restrictions against the president, the first lady and a number of close collaborators.

Concurrently the US was building up its troop levels in the region and striking alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets executed strikes on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.