Colombian Leader Says 'I Would Return to Arms Once More' if US Launches an Attack.

The US President and Colombia's president have turned up the rhetoric in their verbal conflict, increasing tensions bilaterally after American military units struck Venezuela with the aim of deposing President Nicolás Maduro from power.

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

Growing Tensions and Accusations

Speaking to reporters over the weekend, Trump hinted at comparable use of force towards the South American nation, claiming the country is also "very ill" and led by a problematic figure who enjoys creating narcotics and trafficking it to America."

While Colombia is the leading producer of cocaine, no proof exists implicating Gustavo Petro, elected two years ago, is in any way involved in the business.

A Deteriorating Partnership

Colombia has long been a staunch collaborator of Washington in the fight against drug trafficking and enjoyed cross-party backing from American politicians, but relations have soured markedly after Trump assumed the presidency.

Colombia’s illicit drug economy is mainly overseen by guerrilla factions including the Golf Clan, the National Liberation Army (ELN) and dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (Farc), a large contingent of whom laid down arms following a historic peace agreement.

Colombia's Strong Response

In response to a query whether military intervention comparable to Venezuela was being considered regarding Colombia, Trump replied: "That seems like a good idea to me."

Petro, an ex-guerrilla fighter who left armed struggle in the last century, rejected these allegations. "I am not an illegitimate leader nor am I involved in narcotics," he affirmed.

"The US president speaks uninformed. Stop slandering me," he wrote in a message.

"If US bombs target rural communities, they will transform into thousands of guerrillas in the hills. If they capture me, whom a large part of the country admires and supports, they will unleash the fierce spirit of the nation," the president cautioned.

From Fighter to Leader

Petro spent a period in his early life belonging in the left-wing M-19 armed organization but is not believed to have ever engaged in fighting. Upon leaving the group, he participated in drafting 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 not to touch a weapon again ... but in defense of my country I shall resume weapons once more," he vowed.

Heightened Measures and Widespread Rejection

The Colombian defence minister announced that the president’s security detail was strengthened.

A segment of Colombia’s conservative opposition have sided with the US president, but voices from across Colombian politics have denounced the possibility of American military action on Colombia.

Bilateral and Financial Sanctions

Washington cancelled the president's entry visa following he urged US troops to refuse unlawful commands. In October, it placed economic restrictions targeting Petro, the first lady and various key allies.

Simultaneously while America bolstered its troop levels in the region and targeting suspected drug boats to pressure Venezuela’s Maduro, US forces also carried out attacks on maritime targets in the eastern Pacific region adjacent to Colombia.