Colombian President Declares 'I Shall Return to Arms Again' should United States Intervenes Militarily.

Donald Trump and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, heightening tensions in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has drug factories and production sites and his time is running out," Trump added.

Rising Rhetoric coupled with Accusations

Talking to the press over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the nation is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and distributing it to the US."

Although Colombia stands as the world’s largest cocaine-producing country, there is no evidence that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the trade.

A Deteriorating Partnership

The country for decades served as a close partner of the United States in the fight against narcotics trade and received bipartisan support in Washington, however, the relationship have soured significantly following Trump was elected.

The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by criminal organizations like one major cartel, the ELN guerrilla group and dissident factions of the former Farc guerrillas, the majority of whose members demobilised following a landmark accord.

Petro's Firm Answer

When asked if armed intervention similar to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump said: "I like the sound of that to me personally."

The Colombian leader, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who disarmed decades ago, firmly denied Trump's claims. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I a narco," he declared.

"Trump speaks uninformed. Cease defaming me," he expressed online.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will become numerous insurgents across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom many of Colombians loves and respects, they will unleash the powerful force of the populace," he admonished.

From Insurgent to President

He passed part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group though it is believed to have ever engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he was involved in writing a new constitution in 1991 subsequently becoming an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the nation's highest office.

"I pledged to never again hold arms again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.

Increased Security and Broad Opposition

The Colombian defence minister reported that Petro's personal security was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, however, leaders from all sides of the political spectrum have condemned the threats of a US attack against their nation.

Bilateral and Financial Strains

American authorities withdrew his travel authorization subsequent to he called on US troops to ignore orders that violate law. Later, in October, the US enacted financial sanctions against the president, his spouse and various close collaborators.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting vessels thought to carry drugs to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces have also conducted strikes against vessels in the eastern Pacific region near Colombia.