Colombian Leader Declares 'I Would Return to Arms Once More' should United States Invades.

President Trump and Colombia's president have intensified the tone of their war of words, heightening strains in their relations following US forces struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He has cocaine mills and processing labs and is not going to be doing it very long," the US president stated.

Growing Threats coupled with Accusations

Addressing the press on Sunday, the US president threatened analogous military action against Bogotá, asserting the country is “very sick too” and governed by a problematic figure who likes making the drug and selling it to America."

While Colombia remains the leading cocaine-producing country, authorities have found no indication implicating Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way connected to the business.

A Deteriorating Relationship

Colombia was historically a close partner of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received wide political approval from American politicians, yet ties have worsened markedly following Trump came to office.

Its illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by illegal armed groups such as the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the demobilized Farc, most of its former fighters demobilised after a historic peace agreement.

Petro's Defiant Answer

Upon being questioned if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was a possibility for Colombia, Trump said: "That seems like a good idea from my perspective."

President Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle decades ago, rejected these allegations. "I am neither an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"He comments without information. Cease defaming me," he wrote in a post.

"If US bombs target peasants, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the hills. And if they detain me, which a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will unleash the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to President

He passed part of his youth participating of the leftist M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed to have ever participated in combat. Upon leaving the group, he took part in drafting the constitutional rewrite over three decades ago subsequently becoming an influential politician. He served as mayor of Bogotá prior to his election the presidency.

"I swore not to touch a gun ... but for Colombia I would take up the fight," he affirmed.

Increased Security and Broad Opposition

The Colombian defence minister announced that Petro's personal security had received additional support.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have allied themselves with the US president, but voices spanning the political spectrum have denounced the threats of American military action on Colombia.

Bilateral and Economic Sanctions

American authorities cancelled Petro’s visa following he urged US military personnel to disobey orders that violate law. Later, in October, it placed asset freezes against the president, the first lady and various close collaborators.

Concurrently as the US increased its troop levels in the region and striking suspected drug boats against Venezuela’s Maduro, American military assets have also conducted strikes against vessels in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.