Colombian President Warns 'I Shall Return to Arms Once More' should United States Invades.

Donald Trump along with President Gustavo Petro have intensified the tone in their verbal conflict, increasing strains in their relations following US forces attacked Venezuela to remove the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from his position.

"He operates drug factories and production sites and is not going to be doing it very long," Trump remarked.

Growing Threats and Allegations

Addressing reporters on Sunday, the US president suggested analogous military action against Bogotá, asserting Colombia is also "very ill" and governed by a sick man who likes making cocaine and selling it to the United States."

While Colombia stands as the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the trade.

A Frayed Partnership

This nation for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle against drug trafficking and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, but relations have deteriorated significantly since Trump came to office.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions such as the Clan del Golfo, another leftist insurgency and renegade units of the demobilized Farc, a large contingent of whom demobilised after a landmark accord.

Colombia's Firm Answer

Upon being questioned if a military operation like that in Venezuela was being considered against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that to me."

Petro, a former leftist guerrilla who demobilised in the 1990s, categorically refuted Trump's claims. "I am no an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he stated.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he expressed in a message.

"If US bombs target peasants, they will turn into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture the president, whom many of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," he admonished.

From Guerrilla to Statesman

The president dedicated a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed that he never participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he was involved in writing the nation's constitution in 1991 and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the capital city prior to his election the presidency.

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

Increased Security and Broad Condemnation

Minister Pedro Sánchez reported that Petro's protection team was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump's stance, but voices from all sides of Colombian politics have denounced the threats of an invasion targeting Colombia.

Bilateral and Financial Sanctions

Washington revoked Petro’s visa subsequent to he called on US troops to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted economic restrictions targeting Petro, his spouse and several associates.

Simultaneously the US was building up its military presence in the region and bombing alleged narcotics traffickers against Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted operations on maritime targets in Pacific waters near Colombia.