Colombian Leader Says 'I Will Return to Arms Again' should American Forces Invades.

Donald Trump along with Colombia's president have escalated the volume of their exchange, heightening tensions between the two countries after American military units attacked Venezuela with the aim of deposing the leader of Venezuela Nicolás Maduro from power.

"He runs drug factories and cocaine factories and that won't last much longer," the US president stated.

Escalating Rhetoric and Allegations

Addressing the press over the weekend, the American leader hinted at similar military action against Colombia, asserting the nation is “very sick too” and led by a sick man who likes making cocaine and distributing it to the US."

While Colombia is the globe's biggest cocaine-producing country, no proof exists that President Gustavo Petro, the nation's current leader, is in any way involved in the illicit industry.

A Strained Alliance

The country for decades served as a staunch collaborator of Washington in the struggle combating drug cartels and received bipartisan support in the US capital, but relations have worsened dramatically following Trump assumed the presidency.

Its drug trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and breakaway groups of the former Farc guerrillas, most of its former fighters demobilised following a landmark accord.

Petro's Strong Answer

In response to a query whether armed intervention comparable to Venezuela was on the cards against his country, Trump replied: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

President Petro, once a member of a left-wing insurgent group who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected Trump's claims. "I am not illegitimate and certainly not involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. End the false accusations," he posted online.

"Should American forces attack rural communities, they will become thousands of guerrillas in the mountains. And should they arrest the nation's leader, which a significant portion of the country loves and respects, they will provoke the ‘jaguar’ of the nation," Petro warned.

From Insurgent to Leader

Petro spent a period in his early life as a member of the leftist M-19 armed organization though it is believed he did not engaged in fighting. After demobilizing, he participated in creating the nation's constitution over three decades ago and later became an influential politician. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.

"I made a vow to never again hold a gun ... but for the homeland I shall resume weapons once more," he affirmed.

Reinforced Protection along with Broad Rejection

Colombia's defense chief reported that the president’s protection team was strengthened.

Many among Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, yet figures spanning the ideological divide have denounced the possibility of an invasion against their nation.

Political and Economic Pressure

American authorities revoked his travel authorization following he encouraged US troops to ignore unlawful commands. In October, it placed asset freezes targeting Petro, his wife and a number of close collaborators.

Concurrently as the US increased its military presence in the Caribbean and striking suspected drug boats to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, the US have also conducted strikes on maritime targets in Pacific waters off the Colombian coast.