Colombian President Declares 'I Would Return to Arms Again' should US Launches an Attack.

Donald Trump and President Gustavo Petro have escalated the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally following US forces struck Venezuela in an operation to oust President Nicolás Maduro from office.

"He runs narcotics facilities and production sites and that won't last much longer," Trump added.

Escalating Threats coupled with Claims

Talking to the press over the weekend, the US president suggested similar armed intervention against Colombia, claiming the country is also "very ill" and “run by a problematic figure who enjoys creating the drug and selling it to America."

While Colombia stands as the globe's biggest source of the narcotic, there is no evidence linking President Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is directly connected to the business.

A Strained Relationship

Colombia was historically a staunch collaborator of the United States in the struggle combating drug cartels and enjoyed wide political approval in the US capital, yet ties have worsened significantly after Trump came to office.

The nation's narcotics trade is largely controlled by illegal armed groups like the Clan del Golfo, the ELN guerrilla group and breakaway groups of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), the majority of whose members disbanded following a landmark accord.

The President's Firm Rebuttal

When asked if a military operation comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump responded: "I like the sound of that from my perspective."

The Colombian leader, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the 1990s, rejected the accusations. "I am not an illegitimate leader and I am not involved in narcotics," he stated.

"Trump speaks without knowledge. Cease defaming me," he posted online.

"If US bombs target civilians, they will transform into a multitude of fighters across the countryside. If they capture me, whom a significant portion of the population admires and supports, they will release the powerful force of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Fighter to Leader

He passed some years as a young man participating in the left-wing M-19 guerrilla group but is not believed that he never participated in combat. Following his disarmament, he was involved in drafting the constitutional rewrite in the early 90s and later became a prominent senator. He held the office of mayor of the Colombian capital before being elected the presidency.

"I swore to abstain from using a gun ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.

Increased Security and Broad Condemnation

The Colombian defence minister announced that the national leader's protection team was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with Trump, however, leaders from all sides of Colombian politics have rejected the notion of a US attack targeting Colombia.

Diplomatic and Financial Sanctions

American authorities cancelled his travel authorization after he encouraged US military personnel to refuse unlawful commands. Months later, the US enacted asset freezes against the president, the first lady and various associates.

At the same time while America bolstered its military presence in the Caribbean and targeting alleged narcotics traffickers to put pressure on Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces executed strikes on boats off the Pacific coast near Colombia.